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

Westminster

Colorado
139
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Westminster and Santa Maria have a similar cost of living.

$1,816/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 1%
$96,145/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 12%
$497,400 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 4%
$1,841/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 3%
115,546
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,528/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Westminster is $497,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Westminster vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Westminster or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Westminster and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Westminster is $1,816/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Westminster or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $96,145 in Westminster and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $11,528/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Westminster has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,816/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Westminster details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Westminster and Santa Maria

Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton