Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Berkeley is 81% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,127/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 15%
$108,558/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 11%
$1,351,100 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 63%
$2,340/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 21%
120,223
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $12,413/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Westminster — common questions

Is Berkeley or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Westminster?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Westminster?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $12,413/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Westminster

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