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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Palmdale is 6% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,736/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 5%
$81,151/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 18%
$435,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 14%
$1,831/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ≈ Same
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $14,994/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Westminster — common questions

Is Palmdale or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Westminster?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Westminster?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $14,994/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 Palmdale or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Westminster

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point