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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Santa Rosa is 24% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,084/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 13%
$97,410/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 1%
$685,000 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 27%
$2,130/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 14%
177,216
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 Santa Rosa, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $1,265/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Westminster — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Westminster?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Westminster?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $1,265/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Westminster

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point