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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Modesto is 14% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,609/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 13%
$77,899/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 23%
$415,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 20%
$1,613/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 14%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $18,246/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Westminster — common questions

Is Modesto or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Westminster?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Westminster?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $18,246/year higher in Westminster.
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 Modesto or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Westminster

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point