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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

San Diego is 42% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,223/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 18%
$104,321/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 8%
$848,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 41%
$2,308/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 20%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $8,176/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Westminster — common questions

Is San Diego or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Westminster?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Westminster?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $8,176/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

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