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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

Chicago is 39% more expensive than Pueblo.

$1,380/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 26%
$75,134/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 26%
$315,200 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$230,900 ↓ 27%
$1,502/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 33%
2,707,648
Population
111,514

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
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $19,829/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Pueblo — common questions

Is Chicago or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Pueblo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Pueblo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $19,829/year higher in Chicago.
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 Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Pueblo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Pueblo

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