City Comparison
Greeley vs Westminster
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Westminster scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Greeley
Westminster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Greeley is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Westminster.
Housing costs are a major driver: Greeley's average rent is
19% lower than Westminster's.
| Metric | Greeley | Westminster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,495 | $1,854 | -19% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $230 | +4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,435 | $2,784 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 105 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Westminster offers 21% 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 Greeley is estimated at
$52,000 vs $65,000 in Westminster.
| Metric | Greeley | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,263 idx | 74,286 idx |
| Household Income | $69,881 | $100,272 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.2°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Westminster sees 4.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Greeley | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.70°F | 52.90°F |
| Summer High | 87.30°F | 87.00°F |
| Winter Low | 17.70°F | 19.30°F |
| Rainfall | 16.80 in | 18.30 in |
| Snowfall | 20.30 in | 25.10 in |
| Sunny Days | 286 | 285 |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 52.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Greeley 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.
| Metric | Greeley | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 54.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Westminster is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Greeley 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 | Greeley | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,073 | 116,182 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 32.5 | 37.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Greeley
Advantages
Median home prices and average rents remain significantly more affordable than the Colorado state average and neighboring Front Range cities.
A diversified and resilient local economy featuring major employers in food processing, energy, and healthcare.
A youthful, vibrant population and collegiate atmosphere anchored by the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College.
Extensive recreational amenities including over 30 parks, miles of trails, and cultural venues like the Union Colony Civic Center.
Recognized economic growth momentum and status as a prominent Northern Colorado regional hub.
Drawbacks
Certain industrial and agricultural operations can create localized odors and environmental management challenges across parts of the city.
Public transit options outside core areas are limited, resulting in high reliance on personal vehicles for daily commutes.
Poverty rates in specific neighborhoods remain slightly higher than the state average due to demographic shifts.
Rapid regional growth has placed upward pressure on traffic congestion along key arterial corridors during peak hours.
Proximity to heavy industrial and energy extraction sites draws ongoing debate regarding environmental and land-use policies.
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.
Greeley
#235Colorado, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,495
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
286/yr
Avg Temp
52.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
75
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Greeley and Westminster.
Open Cost Calculator