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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Oakland is 40% more expensive than Westminster.

$1,917/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 5%
$97,369/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 1%
$924,700 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 46%
$2,164/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 15%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $1,224/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Westminster — common questions

Is Oakland or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Westminster?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Westminster?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $1,224/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Westminster

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