Denver vs Chicago: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Denver's median home value is $540,400 — 77% higher than Chicago's $304,500.
Denver's median household income runs $85,853, against $71,673 in Chicago.
Median rent is $1,665 in Denver, compared with $1,314 in Chicago.
FEMA rates Chicago's natural-hazard risk higher than Denver's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Denver, CO | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 710,800 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $540,400 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $85,853 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,665 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Chicago, IL comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Denver, CO, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.