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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Irvine is 84% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,893/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 37%
$129,647/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 26%
$1,115,400 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 55%
$2,904/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 37%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,077/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $12,924/year.

Median household income is $33,502/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Westminster — common questions

Is Irvine or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Westminster?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $1,077/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Westminster?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $33,502/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Westminster

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point