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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Sunnyvale is 145% more expensive than Westminster.

$3,065/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 41%
$181,862/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 47%
$1,816,600 ↑ 265%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 73%
$3,016/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 39%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,249/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $14,988/year.

Median household income is $85,717/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Westminster — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Westminster?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $1,249/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Westminster?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $85,717/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Westminster details →

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