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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

San Jose is 83% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,617/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 31%
$141,565/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 32%
$1,187,800 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 58%
$2,775/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 34%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $45,420/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Westminster — common questions

Is San Jose or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Westminster?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Westminster?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $45,420/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Westminster details →

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