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

Westminster

Colorado
139
VS

Downey

California
169

Westminster is 18% cheaper than Downey.

$1,816/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 4%
$96,145/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 9%
$497,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 46%
$1,841/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 8%
115,546
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Westminster, CO and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $8,745/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Westminster is $497,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Westminster vs Downey — common questions

Is Westminster or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Westminster and Downey?
Median rent in Westminster is $1,816/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Westminster or Downey?
Median household income is $96,145 in Westminster and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $8,745/year higher in Westminster.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Westminster has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,816/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Westminster details → View Downey details →

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