Boulder, CO vs Westminster, CO

The cost of living difference between Boulder, CO and Westminster, CO is dramatic. Westminster is 31% cheaper than Boulder, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Boulder has a cost index of 174 while Westminster sits at 133, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Boulder is $1,924/month compared to $1,816/month in Westminster — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Westminster is more affordable at $497,400 median vs $982,600.

Median household income in Boulder is $85,364 compared to $96,145 in Westminster (-11.2%). Westminster offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Boulder spend roughly 27% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in Westminster.