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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Chicago is 28% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,380/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 32%
$75,134/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 28%
$315,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 58%
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 23%
2,707,648
Population
115,546

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $21,011/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Westminster — common questions

Is Chicago or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Westminster?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Westminster?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $21,011/year higher in Westminster.
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 Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

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