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

Orange

California
206
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Orange is 48% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,252/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 19%
$116,945/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 18%
$900,700 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 45%
$2,394/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 23%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $20,800/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Westminster — common questions

Is Orange or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Westminster?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Westminster?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $20,800/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Westminster

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point