Thornton, CO vs. Westminster, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Thornton vs Westminster. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Thornton vs Westminster in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Thornton and Westminster stack up for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Thornton | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,750 | $1,950 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $525,000 | $575,000 |
🏆 Winner: Thornton. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Thornton compared to Westminster.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $110-130
- Gas: $40-60
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $70-90
- Internet: $60-80
Winter heating bills may be slightly higher in Thornton. However, both cities offer budget billing to even out seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Thornton and Westminster.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases cost about the same in Thornton and Westminster. Expect to budget around $400-500 per adult for monthly groceries. Dinner out ranges from $12 at a casual eatery to $30+ at upscale spots in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The cost of food and daily goods is nearly identical.
4. Taxes and Fees
Thornton has slightly lower property taxes than Westminster:
- Thornton property tax rate: 0.70%
- Westminster property tax rate: 0.74%
So for a $500K home, annual property taxes would be about $3,500 in Thornton vs $3,700 in Westminster.
Both cities charge a 3.75% sales tax on top of Colorado’s 2.9% rate. In Thornton, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash. Westminster has more special districts with additional property taxes.
🏆 Winner: Thornton. Lower property taxes give Thornton a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Thornton | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $525,000 | $575,000 |
| Utilities | $280-360 | $280-360 |
| Groceries (1 Adult) | $400-500 | $400-500 |
| Transportation | $60-100 | $60-100 |
| Property Tax (0.7% vs 0.74%) | $292 | $308 |
| Misc Costs | $200-400 | $200-400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total* | $3,180 in Thornton | $3,435 in Westminster |
*Based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a 3BR home. Actual budgets vary.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are important, so is quality of life. Some tradeoffs to consider:
- Thornton offers more affordable housing and space for the money
- Westminster has more walkable areas and public transit options
- Commute times are 5-10 minutes longer from Thornton to Denver and Boulder
- July temps average 2°F hotter in Thornton than Westminster
7. FAQs
Is Thornton more affordable than Westminster?
Yes, Thornton is about 10% cheaper than Westminster, mainly due to lower housing costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Thornton has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,750 vs $1,950 in Westminster.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Thornton. The median price for a 3BR house is $525,000 in Thornton compared to $575,000 in Westminster.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Thornton offers a lower cost of living than Westminster, primarily due to more affordable housing. Thornton can be a great fit for those prioritizing space and budget. However, Westminster’s walkability and transit access may appeal to some.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Be sure to check out our other cost of living guides for Thornton and monthly budget examples for Thornton residents to inform your decision. With some planning, you can find the perfect Denver suburb to call home.