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

Westminster

Colorado
139
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Westminster is 39% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,816/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 32%
$96,145/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 14%
$497,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 112%
$1,841/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 34%
115,546
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Westminster, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $13,928/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Westminster is $497,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Westminster vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Westminster or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Westminster and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Westminster is $1,816/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Westminster or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $96,145 in Westminster and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $13,928/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Westminster or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Westminster has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,816/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Westminster details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Westminster and Costa Mesa

Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria