Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Denver is 141% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,770/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 47%
$91,681/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 29%
$586,700 ↑ 278%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 74%
$1,839/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 47%
713,734
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $26,144/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Springfield — common questions

Is Denver or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Springfield?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Springfield?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $26,144/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Springfield

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces