Commerce City, CO vs. Westminster, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Commerce City vs Westminster. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Commerce City vs Westminster in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Commerce City and Westminster:
| Housing Type | Commerce City | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Commerce City. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $200 less per month in Commerce City compared to Westminster. Buying a home is also more affordable, with median prices around $75,000 lower.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important monthly expense. In the Denver area, expect to pay around:
- Electricity: $80-120/month
- Gas: $40-80/month
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-100/month
- Internet: $50-80/month
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Both have cold winters that increase heating bills December through February. Summer A/C usage is moderate.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in utility rates or usage between Commerce City and Westminster.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery budget in Commerce City or Westminster might break down like:
- Groceries: $800-1000
- Dining out: $300-500
- Household items: $150-250
Westminster grocery stores tend to be slightly pricier, especially for produce and specialty items. However, driving to Commerce City for weekly shopping probably isn’t worth the gas.
🏆 Winner: Commerce City, but only by a small margin. Grocery costs are around 5-10% lower in Commerce City stores.
4. Taxes and Fees
Commerce City has a slightly lower sales tax rate of 8.25% compared to Westminster’s 8.35%. However, property taxes are higher in Commerce City, averaging 0.8% vs 0.7% in Westminster.
In Commerce City, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400/month. Westminster HOAs are similar at $180-350/month.
🏆 Winner: Westminster. The lower property tax rate gives Westminster a slight edge, especially for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | Commerce City | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,875 | $2,188 |
| Utilities | $270 | $270 |
| Groceries | $900 | $950 |
| Transportation | $350 | $300 |
| Taxes (0.8% vs 0.7%) | $300 | $275 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,195 | $4,483 |
These figures are based on a gross monthly income of $7,500 for a family of four. Your actual budget may vary. See our Monthly Budget Examples for Commerce City Residents for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are important, so is quality of life. Consider these tradeoffs:
- Commerce City offers more space for the money, but longer commutes to Denver
- Westminster has more public transportation options, walkable areas, and quicker city access
- Commerce City summers are slightly cooler, while Westminster winters are milder
7. FAQ
Is Commerce City more affordable than Westminster?
Yes, the cost of living in Commerce City is about 5-10% lower overall, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Commerce City rent prices are around $200/month less than Westminster for a comparable apartment.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Commerce City home prices are typically $50,000-100,000 lower than in Westminster.
8. Conclusion
While both cities offer a good quality of life, Commerce City is cheaper than Westminster for most living expenses. Families looking to stretch their budget with more space may prefer Commerce City. Professionals who value shorter commutes and don’t mind downsizing could fare better in Westminster.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Be sure to check out our full Cost of Living in Commerce City (2025 Guide) for more factors to consider.