City Comparison
Arvada vs Westminster
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Arvada scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Arvada
Westminster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Westminster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Arvada.
Housing costs are a major driver: Arvada's average rent is
13% higher than Westminster's.
| Metric | Arvada | Westminster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,854 | +13% |
| Groceries | $440 | $400 | +10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $230 | +4% |
| Monthly Total | $3,070 | $2,784 | +10% |
| Cost Index | 106 | 105 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Arvada offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Westminster delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Arvada is estimated at
$65,000 vs $65,000 in Westminster.
| Metric | Arvada | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,585 idx | 74,286 idx |
| Household Income | $117,348 | $100,272 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Arvada | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.90°F | 52.90°F |
| Summer High | 87.00°F | 87.00°F |
| Winter Low | 19.30°F | 19.30°F |
| Rainfall | 18.30 in | 18.30 in |
| Snowfall | 25.10 in | 25.10 in |
| Sunny Days | 285 | 285 |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 52.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Westminster scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Westminster leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Arvada | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 54.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Arvada is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Westminster.
From a growth perspective, Arvada is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Arvada has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Arvada | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,634 | 116,182 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 37.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Arvada
Advantages
Median household income of $117,348 is significantly higher than the national average
Direct commuter rail connection (G Line) to downtown Denver from Olde Town
Low violent crime rate and highly secure family-oriented neighborhoods
Over 285 sunny days per year supporting an active, outdoor-centric lifestyle
Thriving historic downtown district with local craft breweries, dining, and boutiques
Drawbacks
Median home values exceeding $550,000 create high barriers to entry for first-time buyers
Car-dependent urban design outside of the Olde Town core
Higher-than-average cost of living running roughly 6% above national baselines
Commuter traffic congestion heading into the core Denver metropolitan area during peak hours
Tight housing inventory constraining options for renters and prospective buyers
Westminster
Advantages
Median household income stands at a robust $100,272 per year, outperforming the national average.
Proximity to both Denver and Boulder provides residents with immense career mobility and diverse employment hubs.
Over 300 miles of scenic trails and open space preserves support an active, health-conscious lifestyle.
Violent crime rates remain low compared to major urban centers, ensuring a secure environment for families.
An educated local workforce with over 42% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Drawbacks
Housing and rental costs run higher than the national median, creating affordability hurdles for first-time buyers.
Traffic congestion along major arteries like U.S. 36 can lead to extended peak-hour commute times.
Property values have experienced high historical appreciation, increasing entry barriers for prospective homeowners.
Suburban sprawl in certain sections can reduce walkability, making car dependency nearly essential for daily errands.
Winters can bring sudden, heavy snowfall requiring diligent municipal snow removal and property upkeep.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Arvada
#201Colorado, USA
63.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
106
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
285/yr
Avg Temp
52.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
81
Business
72
Westminster
#213Colorado, USA
63.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,854
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
285/yr
Avg Temp
52.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
79
Business
74
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