Chicago Colocation Pricing - Colocation Chicago

Best Chicago Colocation Pricing: Compare Top Midwest Data Centers & Rates

Get matched with top Chicago colocation providers tailored to your needs (power, rack density, location, budget).

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Form factor: 1 to 2U
Power: 1–3 Amp, 120V
Storage: 1–5TB
Price: $50/month

Chicago Prices

1 to 2U (1-3Amp 120v, 1-5TB)

24U – 2 to 3kW & 100M to GIGe (+)

Standard Density 48U – 2 to 5kW & 100M to GIGe (+)

High Density 48U – 10 to 17kW (3ph) & 1M to GIGe (+)

Standard 4 rack private cage, 5kW per rack & GIGe (+)

High Density 4 rack private cage, 20kW per rack & GIGe (+)

Chicago

$130 – $150

$1100 – $1500

$1500 – $1875

$2500 – $5200

$5500 – $6000

$16000 – $20000

Prices may change, to clarify the price leave a request

Compare prices in Chicago with nearby cities and states

1 to 2U (1-3Amp 120v, 1-5TB)

24U – 2 to 3kW & 100M to GIGe (+)

Standard Density 48U – 2 to 5kW & 100M to GIGe (+)

High Density 48U – 10 to 17kW (3ph) & 1M to GIGe (+)

Standard 4 rack private cage, 5kW per rack & GIGe (+)

High Density 4 rack private cage, 20kW per rack & GIGe (+)

Houston

$79 – $139

$740 – $1000

$1040 – $1875

$2246 – $5200

$5500 – $6500

$16000 – $22500

Virginia

$108 – $250

$861 – $1100

$1500 – $1875

$2500 – $5200

$5750 – $6250

$16000 – $22500

Dallas

$130 – $250

$1100 – $1500

$699 – $1875

$749 – $4700

$4250 – $6000

$14000 – $18000

Prices may change, to clarify the price leave a request

Why We’re Different

Why QuoteColo is unique: We’re not a data center trying to sell you our facility – we’re a broker with 500+ partner data centers. That means our only job is to find YOUR best fit. We compare providers and hand-pick the ones that meet your needs. You get unbiased recommendations at no charge.

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Bob Spiegel, CEO at www.quotecolo.com

Is Chicago a smart colocation market?

Great fit if: you need central U.S. connectivity, excellent carrier diversity at 350 Cermak, and competitive pricing with robust infrastructure—Chicago ranks as the #2 data center market globally.

Sweet spot pricing: Chicago colocation typically ranges $115-$184 per kW/month, sitting comfortably below coastal markets while maintaining world-class connectivity. Electricity averages 14-16¢/kWh (below NYC, similar to national average).

Market leadership: 2.1% vacancy rate in 2023 signals enormous demand. Chicago offers the perfect balance of connectivity, cost, and central location—making it the Goldilocks of U.S. colocation markets.

How It Works

Step 1

Submit Your Request

Share your specific needs (e.g., power, location, etc.).

Step 2

Get Quotes Quickly

Connect with Bob (or sales) via email or phone to review your specifications. Clients will receive immediate provider contacts and pricing.

Step 3

Make An Informed Decision

Multiple qualified providers will connect with you directly. You decide on which option is best for organization. There is no obligation.

Why QuoteColo (we make Chicago colo simple)

Vendor-agnostic: 500+ vetted providers nationwide; we’re your independent matchmaker.

Precision matching: we filter by power, rack density, carrier access, 350 Cermak proximity, compliance, and budget.

Verified quotes fast: you get side-by-side pricing, terms, and cross-connect fees in your inbox—usually within an hour.

Real savings: clients often save 15–30% via competitive bids and right-sized commits.

No cold calls, no obligation: our service is free; you stay in control.

What you’ll receive from us

Shortlist of Chicago facilities that fit (350 Cermak vs suburbs vs edge locations)
Quote matrix (kW, RU, A/B power, cross-connects, carrier access, bandwidth model, SLA terms) – upon specific request

Notes on trade-offs (350 Cermak interconnection vs suburban cost savings, remote hands policies, growth headroom) – upon specific request
Option B recommendations if Chicago isn’t optimal (e.g., Indianapolis for cost, Minneapolis for northern coverage)

Why Choose Us

Access to 500+ providers across North America – and worldwide
We don’t charge for referrals – completely free service
Our system sends you only qualified providers with trusted reputations and Chicago presence

Quotecolo, Llc

4.8

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Who We Help

Financial services and trading firms requiring low-latency connections to CME Group and CBOE
Software/SaaS companies serving central U.S. and nationwide customer bases
Manufacturing and logistics companies leveraging Chicago’s central hub location
E-commerce platforms needing optimal reach to U.S. population centers
AI and machine learning startups training models on GPU clusters with competitive power rates
Healthcare organizations requiring HIPAA-compliant infrastructure
Media and content delivery networks serving Midwest and national audiences

No Client Too Small

“Chicago’s colocation market welcomes businesses of all sizes—from solo developers deploying a single server to Fortune 500 enterprises running multi-megawatt operations.

We’ve helped startups secure space in the iconic 350 Cermak building (home to 70+ carriers) and small businesses find cost-effective suburban facilities that meet their exact needs. In Chicago, you don’t need an enterprise contract to access world-class infrastructure. With the right broker, even a 1U deployment gets the same level of attention and competitive pricing as a full-cage installation.”

Honest Chicago Colocation Pricing Overview

Choosing the right Chicago colocation provider can feel like navigating the Blues Brothers through downtown—you need to know the right route or you’ll end up paying for unnecessary detours. Chicago has emerged as the #2 data center market globally (ranked by Cushman & Wakefield), offering an exceptional balance of connectivity, cost-efficiency, and strategic location. Here’s the current market reality:

Current Market Rates (2025)

Industry benchmark: Average colocation pricing across major U.S. markets is approximately $163.44 per kilowatt per month for mid-size deployments
Chicago competitive range: $115-$184 per kW/month—sitting in the middle of the national range with superior connectivity
Power costs: Chicago electricity averages 14-16¢/kWh for businesses, below NYC (27¢/kWh) and comparable to national average (17.6¢/kWh)
Crypto mining rates: Available from $0.07-$0.11 per kWh for specialized hosting

Why Chicago Pricing Delivers Value

Central U.S. location: Optimal latency to both coasts and nationwide coverage
Carrier density: 350 Cermak hosts 70+ network providers—the most interconnected facility in the Midwest
Market competition: Robust provider ecosystem drives competitive pricing
Energy efficiency: Moderate climate reduces cooling costs vs. southern markets
Low vacancy (2.1%): High demand signals market strength and infrastructure investment

Chicago Data Center Market Map: Where to Deploy & Why

350 East Cermak Road (South Loop): The Crown Jewel of Midwest Colocation Historic telecommunications building, now the most interconnected multi-tenant data center in the Midwest. Home to Digital Realty, Equinix (CH1, CH2, CH4), and 70+ carriers. Premium pricing justified by unmatched connectivity.
CoreSite CH1 & CH2 (Downtown & Near South Side): Enterprise-Grade Interconnection Purpose-built facilities offering direct connectivity to 350 Cermak ecosystem. CH2 located 1.9 miles from 350 Cermak with dark fiber connections.
Elk Grove Village / Franklin Park: Suburban Cost-Efficiency Digital Realty and other providers offer cost-effective alternatives with excellent connectivity and proximity to O’Hare airport. Ideal for enterprises balancing cost and accessibility.
Oak Brook / Western Suburbs: Business District Proximity Modern facilities close to corporate headquarters, offering competitive pricing and strong network options.
Edge Locations (Aurora, Naperville): Cost-Optimized Deployments Lower-cost options for disaster recovery, backup sites, or cost-sensitive workloads while maintaining Chicago metro connectivity.

Popular Chicago Colocation Providers Snapshot

Major Players in Chicago Market:

Digital Realty: Operates 10+ Chicago-area data centers including iconic 350 E. Cermak (ORD10) with 3.43M+ sq ft and 163MW capacity
Equinix: CH1, CH2, and CH4 facilities within 350 Cermak building, serving financial services and enterprises
CoreSite: CH1 and CH2 facilities offering interconnection to 350 Cermak ecosystem with flexible deployment options
Flexential: Multiple Chicago locations with hybrid infrastructure and cloud connectivity
CyrusOne: Enterprise-focused colocation with robust SLAs and managed services
Colocation America: 4 Chicago locations (CHIDC1-4) offering cost-effective solutions
vXchnge: Growing presence with competitive pricing and modern infrastructure

Common Chicago Colocation Configurations & Pricing

Note: Pricing varies by facility and proximity to 350 Cermak. Premium carrier-dense locations command 15-25% higher rates than suburban facilities.

Configuration	Typical Power	What You Get	Chicago Price Range
1U-2U Single Server	200W-500W	Basic rack space, shared bandwidth, remote hands	$59-$120/month
Quarter Cabinet	1-2 kW	Lockable quarter rack, metered power	$350-$699/month
Half Cabinet	2-4 kW	Dedicated half rack, A feed, carrier access	$700-$1,399/month
Full 42U Cabinet (N)	3-6 kW	Private full rack, single power feed	$1,200-$2,799/month
Full 42U Cabinet (N+1)	6-10 kW	Dual power feeds, 350 Cermak proximity	$2,000-$4,499/month
Private Cage	20-100+ kW	Multi-rack private space, custom security	Custom pricing
High-Density Racks	15-30+ kW	Advanced cooling, GPU/AI optimized	Premium + 25-40%

Based on current Chicago market rates; suburban facilities typically 15-25% lower than 350 Cermak

Chicago Connectivity & Network Advantages

Midwest’s Premier Internet Hub

350 East Cermak serves as the primary interconnection point for the Midwest, hosting over 70 network providers and multiple internet exchanges.

Financial Market Connectivity

Direct, low-latency connections to:

CME Group — World’s leading derivatives marketplace
CBOE — Chicago Board Options Exchange
Major banks and trading firms — Critical for algorithmic trading
Futures and commodities markets — Real-time data feeds

Carrier Diversity

Major providers include:

AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink — Tier 1 backbone providers
Cogent, Level 3, Zayo — Diverse network options
Regional carriers — Competitive pricing and redundancy
International carriers — Global reach and connectivity

Cloud Connectivity

Direct on-ramps to all major cloud providers:

AWS Direct Connect — Low-latency cloud access
Azure ExpressRoute — Dedicated Microsoft connectivity
Google Cloud Interconnect — Private Google access
IBM Cloud Direct Link — Enterprise cloud services

Strategic Geographic Position

Central U.S. location — Optimal latency to both coasts
Population center access — 10-20ms reach to major cities
North-South corridor — Excellent connectivity to Canada and southern states

Chicago vs. Other Major Markets (Cost & Performance)

Factor	Chicago	New York	Dallas	Silicon Valley
Avg Price/kW	$115-$184/mo	$200-$300+/mo	$130-$160/mo	$200-$300+/mo
Power Costs	14-16¢/kWh	27¢/kWh	13.5¢/kWh	20-25¢/kWh
Carrier Density	Very High (70+)	Exceptional (100+)	High	Exceptional
Geographic Position	Central (optimal)	East Coast	South Central	West Coast
Market Rank	#2 globally	#1	Top 10	Top 5
Best For	Balanced cost & connectivity	Premium apps	Cost-conscious	Tech/innovation

Sources: Cushman & Wakefield rankings, industry pricing surveys, utility rate data

How to Choose a Chicago Colocation Provider (6-Point Checklist)

1. Define Your Connectivity Strategy

2. Right-Size Power and Density Requirements

3. Location and Latency Optimization

4. Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

5. Redundancy and SLA Requirements

6. Compliance and Security Verification

Strategic Advantages of Chicago Colocation

Central Geographic Hub

Optimal positioning provides equal latency to both coasts—ideal for nationwide applications requiring consistent performance across all U.S. regions.

Financial Services Infrastructure

Direct access to CME Group, CBOE, and major trading networks—critical for trading platforms requiring microsecond-level latency.

Midwest’s Premier Internet Exchange

350 East Cermak houses 70+ carriers and serves as the primary peering point for the central United States.

Climate Efficiency

Moderate temperatures reduce cooling costs vs. southern markets, improving overall power efficiency and TCO.

Competitive Power Costs

Electricity rates 14-16¢/kWh provide significant savings vs. coastal markets while maintaining infrastructure quality.

Corporate Headquarters Density

Proximity to Fortune 500 headquarters and major enterprises creates rich ecosystem for B2B connectivity and partnerships.

Balanced Cost-Performance Ratio

Chicago delivers coastal-tier connectivity at mid-market pricing—the optimal balance for most enterprise workloads.

Summary Comparison Table

Feature	Chicago Colocation	Coastal Markets	Secondary Markets
Average price/kW	$115-$184/month	$200-$300+/month	$110-$150/month
Power costs	14-16¢/kWh	20-27¢/kWh	12-15¢/kWh
Carrier density	Very High (70+)	Exceptional (100+)	Moderate (15-30)
Geographic position	Central (optimal)	Coastal edges	Regional
Market vacancy	2.1% (high demand)	Variable	Higher
Best for businesses	Balanced connectivity & cost	Premium apps	Cost-sensitive only

FAQs (Chicago-Specific)

Is 350 Cermak worth the premium vs. suburban facilities?

It depends on your connectivity needs. If you require access to 70+ carriers, financial market connectivity, or extensive peering options, 350 Cermak’s 15-25% premium is justified. For cost-sensitive workloads with standard connectivity needs, suburban facilities offer excellent value.

How does Chicago compare to Dallas for cost-conscious deployments?

Chicago and Dallas offer similar power costs (14-16¢ vs 13.5¢/kWh), but Chicago provides superior carrier density and central geographic positioning. Dallas may offer 10-15% cost savings, but Chicago’s connectivity often justifies the minimal premium.

Can I get high-density GPU colocation in Chicago?

Yes—major Chicago facilities support high-density deployments from 15-30+ kW per rack with advanced cooling systems. Expect to pay 25-40% premium above standard colocation rates for GPU-optimized infrastructure.

What’s Chicago’s latency advantage for nationwide applications?

Chicago’s central location provides 10-20ms latency to most major U.S. population centers, making it ideal for applications requiring consistent performance across all regions—better than coastal markets for nationwide reach.

How quickly can I deploy in Chicago?

Premium facilities like 350 Cermak typically require 3-6 weeks due to carrier provisioning and security procedures. Suburban facilities often enable faster deployment (2-4 weeks) with less demand pressure.

What about compliance certifications for financial services?

Chicago facilities serving financial services maintain comprehensive certifications including SOC 2, SSAE 18, PCI-DSS, and FINRA compliance. Many offer enhanced audit capabilities for regulated industries.

Is Chicago suitable for disaster recovery sites?

Excellent choice—low natural disaster risk, central location for geo-redundancy, and competitive pricing make Chicago ideal for DR strategies paired with East or West Coast primary sites.

How does Chicago handle winter weather for uptime?

Chicago facilities maintain 99.99%+ uptime through robust power infrastructure, backup generators with extended runtime, and weatherized systems designed for extreme conditions.

Bottom Line

Chicago colocation delivers the optimal balance of connectivity, cost, and strategic positioning—earning its #2 global ranking for good reason. You get coastal-tier infrastructure and carrier density at mid-market pricing.

If you need central U.S. positioning with world-class connectivity and competitive costs, Chicago is hard to beat.

Choose 350 Cermak when carrier density and financial market access matter most. Choose suburban Chicago facilities when cost efficiency is priority while maintaining excellent connectivity.

Let QuoteColo save you time and money — we’ll connect you with the best Chicago colocation providers based on your exact requirements, helping you navigate the market and secure competitive pricing with confidence.

Get exact Chicago quotes (free) → Tell us your power requirements, carrier needs, 350 Cermak access preferences, compliance requirements, and budget. We’ll send a side-by-side quote matrix from Chicago’s top facilities—so you can decide in minutes, not weeks.