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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Santa Clara is 121% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,985/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 39%
$173,670/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 45%
$1,527,900 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 67%
$3,051/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 40%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,169/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $14,028/year.

Median household income is $77,525/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Westminster — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Westminster?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $1,169/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Westminster?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $77,525/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clara and Westminster

Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point