Colorado vs Illinois Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$78,947
in Illinois
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Colorado | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 84.3 | +29% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 99.8 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 99.0 | -11% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 100.5 | -3% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 104.1 | +2% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 98.7 | +5% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 95.0 | +9% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $260,000 | +$270,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,180/mo | +$343 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.60/gal | $0.07 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $108/mo | $1 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $16,107/yr | +$5,733 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → Illinois
What a Colorado salary buys you in Illinois, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,072 | +$3,928 |
| $75,000 | $69,108 | +$5,892 |
| $100,000 | $92,144 | +$7,856 |
| $150,000 | $138,215 | +$11,785 |
| $200,000 | $184,287 | +$15,713 |
Positive = your money goes further in Illinois. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Colorado is 9% more expensive than Illinois overall. Colorado has an index of 103.1 vs 95 for Illinois (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Illinois?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Colorado is 9% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $260,000 in Illinois.
Is Illinois cheaper than Colorado?
Yes, Illinois is 9% cheaper than Colorado overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Colorado more expensive than Illinois?
Yes, Colorado is 9% more expensive than Illinois based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Illinois equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $92,144 in Illinois. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 95).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $260,000 in Illinois — a $270,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,180/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs Illinois?
Housing is 29% higher in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 84.3). Utilities is 11% lower in Colorado (index 88.4 vs 99). Dining & Misc is 5% higher in Colorado (index 103.8 vs 98.7).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or Illinois?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.60/gallon in Illinois — a $0.07 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs Illinois cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Illinois has 95 (national average = 100). Colorado is 9% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs Illinois paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs Illinois Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.