Centennial, CO vs. Westminster, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Centennial or Westminster, Colorado? Let’s break down the key cost differences in 2025:
- 🏠Median home price: $550K in Centennial vs. $525K in Westminster
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/month in Centennial vs. $210 in Westminster
- 🥑 Typical grocery costs: 5% lower in Centennial across staples
- 🏙️ Property taxes: 0.51% in Centennial vs. 0.56% in Westminster
For a detailed cost of living comparison, Centennial vs Westminster, read on. We’ll cover housing, utilities, groceries, taxes, and lifestyle fit to help you choose the right Denver suburb for your 2025 budget and needs.
1. Housing Costs
When comparing Centennial vs Westminster housing costs, Centennial comes out slightly ahead for affordability:
| Housing | Centennial | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550,000 | $525,000 |
| Typical Rent (2BR) | $1,900 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Centennial. You’ll pay around 5% less for a comparable home or apartment in Centennial vs Westminster.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Both cities have similar utility costs, but Centennial residents save about $30/month on average:
- Centennial: $180/month (summer), $150/month (winter)
- Westminster: $210/month (summer), $190/month (winter)
Westminster’s Efficiency Works program offers rebates on energy-saving upgrades. But overall, Centennial utility bills tend to be lower.
🏆 Winner: Centennial, with 15% lower utility costs on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Centennial has slightly lower food and daily living costs than Westminster. Expect to pay about 5% less for groceries, restaurants, and household goods in Centennial.
However, certain specialty items may be pricier in Centennial. Organic produce averages $0.25-$0.50 more per pound, for example.
🏆 Winner: Centennial, with modestly lower grocery and daily expenses overall.
4. Taxes and Fees
Centennial has a lower property tax rate of 0.51% vs Westminster’s 0.56%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $250/year.
In Centennial, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-500/month. Westminster HOAs are similar at $180-450/month.
🏆 Winner: Centennial. Lower property taxes add up, even if HOA fees are comparable.
5. Cost Summary
| Monthly Cost | Centennial | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage*) | $2,300 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes (Property) | $233 | $245 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,673 | $3,830 |
*Based on a $500K home with 20% down and 4% interest rate.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Centennial offers more space for the money, with larger lots and lower-density housing than Westminster. However, Westminster has better walkability and public transit access to Denver.
Centennial is 3°F warmer than Westminster on average. But both cities get 245+ sunny days per year.
Westminster’s crime rate is 15% higher than Centennial’s. Centennial often ranks as one of Colorado’s safest cities.
7. FAQs
Is Centennial more affordable than Westminster?
Yes, Centennial is about 5% cheaper than Westminster. Housing, utilities, and groceries all cost less in Centennial.
Which city has lower rent?
Centennial rent averages $1,900 for a 2BR apartment vs $2,100 in Westminster – a 10% difference.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Centennial’s median home price of $550K is $25K less than Westminster’s $525K (as of 2025).
8. Conclusion
While Centennial and Westminster offer a similar suburban lifestyle, Centennial is 5-10% more affordable across major living costs. Centennial is ideal for buyers who prioritize space, safety, and housing value. Westminster suits those who favor walkability, transit access, and proximity to Denver.
Budgeting for a move to Centennial or Westminster? Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Centennial Residents and full Cost of Living in Centennial (2025 Guide).