Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Seattle is 41% more expensive than Westminster.

$1,998/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 9%
$121,984/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 21%
$912,100 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 45%
$2,220/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 17%
741,440
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $25,839/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Westminster — common questions

Is Seattle or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Westminster?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Westminster?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $25,839/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Westminster details →

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