Highlands Ranch, CO vs Westminster, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Westminster is 24.1% cheaper than Highlands Ranch. With a cost index of 133 vs 165, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Westminster to Highlands Ranch should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Highlands Ranch is $2,397/month compared to $1,816/month in Westminster — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Westminster is more affordable at $497,400 median vs $672,600.

Median household income in Highlands Ranch is $155,847 compared to $96,145 in Westminster (+62.1%). While Highlands Ranch is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Highlands Ranch spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 22.7% in Westminster.