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Moving from Illinois to Colorado

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

CO state flag
Moving to

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

Colorado has an overall price level 103.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Colorado
103.1
Colorado has 3.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Colorado
127.4
Colorado has 36% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Colorado
100.8
Colorado has 0.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Colorado
100.5
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Colorado
16.7 ¢/kWh
Colorado has 11% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Colorado
100.6
Colorado has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Colorado
$574,600
Colorado is 105% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Colorado
$1,627/mo
Colorado is 39% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Colorado
86°F
Colorado is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Colorado
18°F
Colorado is 5.3% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Colorado
46°F
Colorado is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Colorado
245
Colorado has 30% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Colorado
17 in
Colorado is 59% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Colorado
74
Colorado has 85% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Colorado
69 in
Colorado is 263% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisColorado report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Colorado than Illinois?

Colorado's overall price level is roughly 103 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% income tax. Colorado tops out at 4.4%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Colorado?

Most Colorado residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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