City Comparison
Westminster vs Aurora
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Westminster scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Westminster
Aurora
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aurora is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Westminster.
| Metric | Westminster | Aurora | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,854 | $1,715 | +8% |
| Groceries | $400 | $355 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $355 | -49% |
| Transport | $120 | $88 | +36% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,784 | $2,513 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Westminster offers 26% higher 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 Westminster is estimated at
$65,000 vs $41,621 in Aurora.
| Metric | Westminster | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $61,855 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $41,621 |
| Purchasing Power | 74,286 idx | 60,053 idx |
| Household Income | $100,272 | $93,837 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Westminster runs warmer on average — a 52.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Westminster comes out ahead with 285 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Westminster sees 25.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Westminster | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 87.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 18.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 25.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 285 | |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 50.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 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 | Westminster | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 29 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aurora is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Westminster.
From a growth perspective, Aurora is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Westminster | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,182 | 418,218 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 37.4 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Aurora
Advantages
Aurora boasts a diverse and growing population, with a projected 418,218 residents in 2026.
The city is a major healthcare hub, home to the Anschutz Medical Campus and numerous hospitals, providing excellent medical access and employment.
Aurora offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities with over 97 parks and 5,000 acres of open space and trails.
The average rent in Aurora is generally lower than in neighboring Denver, offering more affordable housing options.
The job market shows good growth, with a 1.71% employment increase in 2024, particularly in healthcare, retail, and construction sectors.
Drawbacks
Aurora has a significantly high crime rate, with an overall crime rate of 7,072 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 43 and limited public transit options in many areas.
The cost of living in Aurora is slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 103.
Assisted living costs in Aurora are higher than both the state and national averages, at approximately $5,014 per month in 2024.
Healthcare costs are 19% higher than the national average, impacting overall affordability.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Aurora
#428Colorado, USA
56.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,715
Avg Salary
$61,855
Cost Index
103
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
43.0/100
Walkability
43.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
65
Business
70
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