F
31%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
90%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Westminster Colorado National
Cost of living131115100
Groceries102104100
Health care105107100
Housing190136100
Transportation107106100
Utilities111108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107107100
Household Items103105100
Education & Childcare112111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Westminster, CO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Westminster is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Westminster is 131, which is 31% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Westminster may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Westminster falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Westminster, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 89.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Westminster?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 7 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Westminster. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 14% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 86% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Westminster Affordable?

Is Westminster affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Westminster, for instance, where the median home price falls 103.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 55.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Westminster flaunting a median household income of $112,775, 38.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Westminster?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Westminster, the transportation index stands at 6.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Westminster, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 2.9%, and income tax rates start at 4.4%.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Westminster, the housing index stands at 89.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Westminster are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Westminster is 14% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Westminster is 31% higher than the national average
  • Westminster housing is 90% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Westminster

See all the best places to live around Westminster

Compare Westminster, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$138,013$11,501$3,220$4,141
      Renters$80,634$6,720$1,881$2,419
      The affordability of the housing market in Westminster, CO as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Westminster homeowners, the median income is $138,013. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,220 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $80,634. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,881 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Eldorado Springs, CO3321098.9%
      Leyner, CO01098.9%
      Glendale CDP, CO801099.1%
      Lakeside, CO69010.0%
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%
      Westminster, CO118,46113131.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      College Station, TX118,5371109.6%
      Waterloo, ON118,234n/a 
      The Woodlands, TX118,07012726.9%
      Terrebonne, QC119,135n/a 
      West Jordan, UT117,77012120.6%
      Westminster, CO118,46113131.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.