Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Colorado Springs, CO (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Chicago is 16% cheaper than Colorado Springs.

$1,380/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↑ 13%
$75,134/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↑ 11%
$315,200 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$420,700 ↑ 33%
$1,502/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↑ 6%
2,707,648
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $8,064/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Chicago or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $8,064/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,562/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Colorado Springs details →

More Comparisons

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