Both Chicago, Illinois, and Denver, Colorado, offer unique lifestyles, scenic diversity, and significant cultural attractions that can suit diverse interests. Chicago, the 'Windy City', is renowned for its rich architectural and cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. By contrast, Denver, the 'Mile High City', stands out for its stunning mountain backdrop, outdoor activities, and burgeoning tech industry. This comparative analysis delves into each city's specific characteristics across various categories to guide prospective residents or tourists.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Denver, CO : 914.4 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 279%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Denver has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) during that time.
Chicago often draws national attention for its crime rates, notably in areas like the South and West sides. However, many neighborhoods, especially in the North Side, are considered quite safe. The Denver metro area is generally safer, but it has its own share of crime, primarily property crime. Tourists would generally find both cities safe, given a standard level of vigilance.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,388 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 1,926 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 798 to 1; the ratio in Denver is 360 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Chicago than in Denver.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living is higher in Denver compared to Chicago, with the difference mainly lying in housing costs. This variance could be a result of Denver's growing popularity and escalating property prices.
Income Tax
Illinois has a flat income tax rate, while Colorado has a slightly lower flat rate. However, the overall tax burden might be more in Chicago when considering the city's additional taxes.
Property Tax
Denver's median property tax rates are lower than the national average, whereas Chicago's rates are considerably higher.
Sales Tax
Chicago has a notably higher sales tax rate when compared to Denver, influenced by including local taxes with the state levies. Denver has lower rates but still above the national average.
Income
Type
Chicago
Denver
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$81,630
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$52,690
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
111.3
If you make $50,000 in Chicago, you will have to make $53,101 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Chicago's notable feature is Lake Michigan, with many areas, particularly downtown, offering lakefront views. Denver is positioned near the Rocky Mountains, presenting splendid opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Both cities are home to high-quality educational institutions. Chicago boasts top-rated universities, such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Denver has the well-regarded University of Denver and University of Colorado system.
Chicago's economy is highly diversified with finance, publishing, manufacturing, and food processing playing significant roles. Denver's economy is booming, especially in the technology, aerospace, and telecommunications sectors, offering a dynamic job market for prospective residents.
Biggest Employers
In Chicago, some of the biggest employers include the government, Advocate Health Care, and JP Morgan. In Denver, government entities, Denver International Airport, and health care providers like HealthONE and Centura Health top the list.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
2020
74.6%
80.1%
24.1%
18.3%
1.3%
1.6%
2016
74.4%
74.2%
20.9%
19.0%
4.7%
6.8%
2012
74.0%
73.9%
24.6%
24.3%
1.4%
1.7%
2008
76.4%
75.8%
22.9%
23.2%
0.7%
1.0%
2004
70.3%
69.7%
29.2%
29.3%
0.6%
0.9%
2000
69.0%
62.0%
28.8%
30.9%
2.3%
7.0%
1996
66.8%
61.8%
26.7%
30.0%
6.5%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
26.6%
11.1%
8.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.5%
1.8%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
4.3%
2.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
0.9%
5.4%
6.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
3.6%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
2.1%
1.6%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
1.8%
3.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.9%
3.0%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
1.1%
0.4%
0.7%
Weather
Chicago experiences a typical Midwestern climate, with hot, humid summers and freezing winters, along with beautiful spring and fall seasons. Denver experiences more sun, with mild, dry winters and pleasant summers, though its proximity to the mountains can result in unpredictable weather at times.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Denver
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
49.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
17 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
64%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
Chicago
Denver
2018
97
100
0.26
0.50
14.3
25.4
26.2
27.9
N/A
N/A
23.6
29.2
9.3
8.6
1.7
0.7
2017
95
95
0.25
0.49
14.3
25.9
26.4
27.6
N/A
N/A
25.1
22.0
8.7
8.4
1.4
0.8
2016
95
90
0.21
0.53
14.9
27.7
26.5
27.2
N/A
N/A
17.3
22.6
9.1
8.7
0.8
1.0
2015
92
101
0.51
0.53
15.0
27.8
25.4
25.2
N/A
N/A
23.3
21.0
10.5
10.4
0.9
1.0
2014
101
94
0.45
0.53
18.0
25.4
25.1
24.6
N/A
N/A
28.9
25.1
10.7
10.1
1.3
1.3
2013
100
85
0.37
0.45
18.3
21.9
23.8
24.0
N/A
N/A
30.3
24.4
11.1
N/A
1.0
1.5
2012
112
91
0.36
0.33
18.8
18.9
25.7
26.2
N/A
N/A
31.3
24.9
12.1
N/A
1.7
1.4
2011
101
91
0.38
0.34
18.6
18.1
24.8
25.8
N/A
N/A
21.9
23.7
12.8
N/A
2.4
1.6
2010
103
82
0.37
0.43
20.4
16.3
25.4
23.6
N/A
N/A
22.2
26.4
12.9
N/A
1.4
1.0
2009
106
79
0.29
0.41
20.0
14.1
22.4
23.1
0.025
0.005
20.1
22.2
12.9
N/A
1.4
1.3
2008
108
85
0.32
0.43
22.8
17.3
22.8
26.0
0.026
0.008
22.7
25.2
12.5
N/A
1.8
1.6
2007
125
96
0.34
0.37
23.6
20.6
23.9
21.9
0.027
0.007
25.9
30.2
13.1
N/A
2.2
1.2
2006
95
89
0.31
0.51
23.0
19.0
21.1
22.1
0.029
0.008
22.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.4
2005
110
86
0.55
0.57
23.5
21.3
23.3
20.9
0.027
0.068
26.2
30.9
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.5
2004
85
82
0.83
0.60
23.9
21.2
20.3
19.2
0.032
0.012
23.4
28.6
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.8
2003
99
106
0.69
0.60
25.1
21.2
20.0
20.8
0.030
0.015
23.3
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.9
2002
114
86
0.83
0.65
26.5
19.2
20.8
20.4
0.029
0.014
24.4
35.7
N/A
N/A
3.3
2.5
2001
107
95
0.83
0.86
27.3
23.6
19.2
18.6
0.031
0.012
28.5
32.6
N/A
N/A
4.3
2.6
2000
104
93
0.88
0.81
24.8
13.4
17.6
19.2
0.046
0.013
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
4.2
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Denver
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
811.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
10%
Transportation
Chicago's public transit system, managed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), offers extensive bus and 'L' train services. Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides bus and light rail services but covers a smaller area.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Denver
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
602
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Denver
Bicycle
1.6%
1.5%
Bus
8%
2.6%
Carpooled
8.3%
8.8%
Car alone
62.3%
81.1%
Railroad
0.2%
1.2%
Streetcar
6.8%
0.2%
Subway
3.5%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.1%
Walked
5.9%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Denver
Average
36.9 min
29.4 min
Other means
33.1 min
24.2 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Denver
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.7%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Denver has seen a boost in recent years, with the median home price considerably higher than in Chicago. Chicago's real estate market is more affordable, offering a wide range of housing options from luxury downtown condos to single-family homes in the suburbs.
Neighborhoods
Chicago is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with unique cultural flair—from the upscale Magnificent Mile to the hipster Wicker Park. Denver's neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Capitol Hill to the trendy RiNo Art District, offer a similar variety.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Denver
Houses
1,272,191
351,829
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.2
Median year apartment built
1955
1981
Median year house/condo built
1951
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
11.3 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
326,634 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
164,429 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
162,205 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,674
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,626
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$970,375
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$541,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$690,450
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$668,727
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$410,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$487,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$174,140
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$568,100
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$644,007
Median house age
70
47
Renting percentage
55.1%
50%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
2,294.3
House value disparities
35.6%
26.4%
Household income disparities
48.4%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$120,615
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$77,011
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
2,112 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
9,615 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
123,690 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
273 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
12,819 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Denver
One, detached
26.4%
42.9%
One, attached
3.5%
8.3%
Two
13.3%
2.1%
3 or 4
14.0%
3.1%
5 to 9
11.0%
3.6%
10 to 19
4.6%
7.0%
20 to 49
6.5%
10.4%
50 or more
20.6%
22.0%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
24,661
State government workers
41,316
15,204
Unpaid family workers
4,164
763
Industries and Occupations
Chicago's major sectors include finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and entertainment. Denver has a strong presence in the aerospace, telecommunications, and technology industries.
Both Chicago and Denver offer excellent healthcare facilities. Chicago is home to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, while Denver has the renowned UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Denver
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago benefits from long-established infrastructures, including an extensive public transportation system and O'Hare International Airport, one of the world's busiest. Denver, while having a smaller transit system, boasts Denver International Airport—one of the largest by land area in the US.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Denver
Hospitals
86
16
TV stations
22
17
Arenas or stadiums
7
4
Bank branches located here
740
205
Bank institutions located here
99
43
Main business address for public companies
110
58
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Denver
1999
7,501
2,727
2000
8,763
2,698
2001
7,090
1,996
2002
7,745
1,591
2003
10,485
2,472
2004
14,761
3,789
2005
24,041
5,168
2006
29,365
5,506
2007
17,767
3,599
2008
8,601
1,902
2009
3,506
768
Culture and Food
Chicago's vibrant cultural scene boasts world-class museums, diverse cuisine, and vibrant music. Denver's culture centers on outdoor life, craft beer, the arts, and is increasingly garnering a reputation as a foodie destination.
Sports Teams
Both cities are major sports hubs. Chicago is home to iconic teams like the Cubs, Bulls, and Bears. Denver hosts the Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies.
Chicago, IL
Denver, CO
Chicago, IL and 
Denver, CO : 914.4 miles
