City Comparison
Colorado Springs vs Westminster
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Westminster scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Colorado Springs
Westminster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Colorado Springs is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Westminster.
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Westminster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,854 | -6% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $170 | $180 | -6% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $230 | +4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,710 | $2,784 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 105 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Westminster offers 9% lower 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 Colorado Springs is estimated at
$58,000 vs $65,000 in Westminster.
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,297 idx | 74,286 idx |
| Household Income | $84,818 | $100,272 |
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 | Colorado Springs | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | 52.90°F |
| Summer High | °F | 87.00°F |
| Winter Low | °F | 19.30°F |
| Rainfall | in | 18.30 in |
| Snowfall | in | 25.10 in |
| Sunny Days | 285 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 52.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Colorado Springs has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Westminster.
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 | Colorado Springs | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 54.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Colorado Springs is the larger city
— approximately 4.3x the population of Westminster.
From a growth perspective, Colorado Springs is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Westminster has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 494,743 | 116,182 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.57% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 35.7 | 37.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Colorado Springs
Advantages
Median home value remains more accessible than Denver metro counterparts per Zillow 2026 data
Unemployment rate sits at a healthy 4.1% matching competitive national benchmarks per BLS
Unmatched proximity to iconic outdoor recreation including Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods
Robust local economy driven by aerospace, defense technology, and high-tech sectors
Average monthly earnings outpace national averages per recent BLS occupational wage reports
Drawbacks
High elevation and dry climate require adjustment periods for new residents
Significant car dependency across sprawling suburban neighborhoods limits transit utility
Property crime rates in certain central urban pockets remain above national medians
Rapid historical growth has strained local infrastructure and traffic capacity on I-25
Home prices and rents have escalated significantly compared to pre-2020 affordability levels
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.
Colorado Springs
#307Colorado, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
101
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.57%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
80
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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