Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Chicago vs Denver

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Chicago$4,786

Denver$4,821

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Chicago$1,781

Denver$2,089

Left after rent

Chicago$3,005

Denver$2,732

Thinking about moving from Chicago to Denver on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,786/mo in Chicago and $4,821/mo in Denver after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,005/mo in Chicago vs $2,732/mo in Denver. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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