salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Denver to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,065
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,127
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$102,153
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$616,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
105.8
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$2,751
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$113
👥 People living there
2,711,226
718,877
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.9 min
College degree
44.3%
56.5%
Own their home
46%
48.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
11.2%
Unemployment
8%
4.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Denver for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $63,150 | -38% in Denver |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $63,900 | -38% in Denver |
| Operations Manager | $109,390 | $142,330 | +30% in Denver |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $39,650 | +27% in Denver |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,490 | $127,880 | +24% in Denver |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $99,040 | +23% in Denver |
| Accountant | $82,360 | $100,020 | +21% in Denver |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $64,910 | -19% in Denver |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Denver cheaper to live in?
Chicago and Denver cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Denver to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $61,267 a year gives the same standard of living in Denver.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Denver?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $102,153 in Denver, 18% more in Denver.