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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

San Francisco is 92% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,419/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 25%
$141,446/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 32%
$1,380,500 ↑ 178%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 64%
$2,620/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 30%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $45,301/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Westminster — common questions

Is San Francisco or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Westminster?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Westminster?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $45,301/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Westminster details →

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