Question 1

Is Chicago or Denver cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, IL is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $206/month less than in Denver, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $2,089/mo in Denver.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Denver?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $84,500/year in Denver, CO — a difference of about $3,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or Denver cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Chicago, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,545/month in Chicago and $11,167/month in Denver, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or Denver?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Chicago costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Chicago61	Denver54
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$4,499
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$11,167
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$84,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$2,089
Median home value	$315,200	$586,700
Median household income	$75,134	$91,681
Unemployment	5.9%	4.1%
Housing score	52	30
Jobs score	7	44
Safety score	66	35
Climate score	89	74
Amenities score	73	64
Population	2.7M	713.7K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	88° / 17°

Chicago, IL vs Denver, CO