Quick answer
Colorado Springs costs $385/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,395/mo). Colorado Springs also has lower state income tax (4.4% vs 4.95%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Colorado Springs
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Chicago vs Colorado Springs at a Glance
| Metric | Chicago | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,800 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,800 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $340K ✓ | $465K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 ✓ | $395 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,395 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 78/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 65/100 ✓ | 24/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 4.4% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Colorado Springs's 1BR averages $1,450/month vs $1,850 in Chicago — a $400/month difference, or $4,800/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Colorado Springs charges 4.4% state income tax vs 4.95% in Chicago. On an $80K salary that's a $440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,940 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Chicago are $340K vs $465K in Colorado Springs. At a 20% down payment, that's a $25,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Colorado Springs utilities run $10 more per month than Chicago.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Chicago, IL
Chicago's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Colorado Springs, CO
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Colorado Springs. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Chicago
Four true seasons; brutal winters (wind chills below -20°F common); outstanding summers
Colorado Springs
High altitude (6,000 ft) creates cooler summers (75-85°F) and cold, snowy winters (10-25 inches annual snowfall); 300+ sunny days per year; dry desert-like conditions most of year; wildfire risk in surrounding forests; thin air at altitude requires acclimatization
Job Market
Chicago top industries
Colorado Springs top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Chicago if…
- →You're a urban explorers
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a architecture lovers
- →You're a transit users
- →You're a theater fans
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Colorado Springs if…
- →You're a Military families
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts / climbers
- →You're a Aerospace professionals
- →You're a People seeking altitude and outdoor access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Colorado Springs is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Colorado Springs vs $2,395 in Chicago — a $385/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Chicago or Colorado Springs?
Chicago is more walkable with a Walk Score of 78/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Chicago vs Colorado Springs: which has lower state income tax?
Colorado Springs has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $440/year vs Chicago (4.95%).
Is Chicago or Colorado Springs better for buying a home?
Chicago has lower median home prices at $340K vs $465K in Colorado Springs — a $125,000 difference on the median home.