City Comparison
Westminster vs Denver
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Westminster scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Westminster
Denver
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Westminster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Denver.
| Metric | Westminster | Denver | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,854 | $1,975 | -6% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $220 | +5% |
| Monthly Total | $2,784 | $2,865 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 106 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Denver offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Denver delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Westminster is estimated at
$65,000 vs $65,000 in Denver.
| Metric | Westminster | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $81,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 74,286 idx | 76,415 idx |
| Household Income | $100,272 | $94,718 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.3°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Westminster sees 2.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Westminster | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.90°F | 53.20°F |
| Summer High | 87.00°F | 87.50°F |
| Winter Low | 19.30°F | 19.40°F |
| Rainfall | 18.30 in | 16.90 in |
| Snowfall | 25.10 in | 22.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 285 | 285 |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 45.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Denver leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Westminster | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Denver is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Westminster.
From a growth perspective, Denver 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 | Westminster | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,182 | 740,613 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.4 | 35.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.30% |
| 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.
Denver
Advantages
Median household income stands at $94,718, significantly outpacing the national average per U.S. Census data.
Enjoyment of approximately 285 sunny days per year, supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
Proximity to world-class Rocky Mountain recreation, including premier skiing, hiking, and biking destinations.
Thriving job market with strong sectors in aerospace, technology, and healthcare offering competitive wages.
Vibrant cultural and entertainment ecosystem highlighted by the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a thriving craft beverage scene.
Drawbacks
Cost of living runs roughly 6% higher than the national average, led by steep housing and rental expenses.
Median home values of $616,000 present substantial barriers to entry for first-time homebuyers.
Frequent traffic congestion along major commuter corridors like I-25 and I-70 during peak hours.
Air quality can occasionally be impacted by regional wildfire smoke and temperature inversions in the mountain basin.
Property crime rates in certain dense urban neighborhoods require standard metropolitan vigilance.
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
Denver
#356Colorado, USA
59.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,975
Avg Salary
$81,000
Cost Index
106
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
285/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
82
Business
75
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