Living comfortably in Westminster, CO requires an estimated gross monthly income of $5,400 for a couple or small family in 2025. For a single person, budget around $3,600/month before taxes to cover essential expenses in this growing Denver suburb.
Housing Costs in Westminster
Housing is the biggest expense for most Westminster residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,850 per month. Renting a typical 3-bedroom house costs about $2,400 monthly.
For homeowners, the median mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house is approximately $2,100/month. This assumes a home value near the city median of $525,000 and 10% down. Homeowners should also budget 0.55% of their home’s value annually for property taxes.
About 30% of Westminster neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). Monthly HOA fees commonly range from $200-500 and cover amenities and exterior maintenance. While optional in some areas, HOAs are mandatory in most newer subdivisions.
Utility Bills and Energy Costs
In Westminster, budget around $180/month for electricity, $40 for water, $60 for natural gas, and $30 for trash/recycling pickup. High-speed internet adds about $65 monthly. Utility costs can vary significantly based on home size, age, and personal usage.
Expect cooling costs to spike from June through September, when electric bills often double. Xcel Energy offers average billing to help customers spread summer costs over the full year. Energy-efficient upgrades can help reduce utility bills in Westminster’s older homes.
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 |
| Water | $40 |
| Natural gas | $60 |
| Trash/Recycling | $30 |
| Internet | $65 |
Groceries and Food
Groceries for a single person in Westminster cost around $350 per month, while a couple or family of four should budget closer to $850/month. This assumes mostly cooking at home with occasional restaurant meals.
Dining out adds up quickly. Expect to pay about $12-15 per person for a basic meal out, $25-35 for dinner at a mid-range restaurant, and over $50/person at fancier establishments. Buying lunch a few times a week can easily add $200+ to a single person’s monthly food spending.
Don’t forget household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. Budget at least $50-75/month for these items, more for larger households.
Taxes and Fees
Westminster’s sales tax rate is 8.35% on most purchases, including groceries and dining out. This includes a 2.9% Colorado state tax, 0.75% RTD tax, 0.1% cultural tax, and a 4.6% city tax.
Vehicle registration fees in Westminster vary based on a vehicle’s weight, age, and taxable value. Annual renewal for a new sedan typically costs $500-600 in 2025. Budget extra for car insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs, which fluctuate but average around $0.95/liter ($3.60/gallon).
Homeowners pay annual property taxes of 0.55% of their home’s assessed value. For a $525,000 house, that’s about $2,900 per year or $240/month.
Monthly Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,400 | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $300 | $375 | $450 |
| Groceries & dining out | $500 | $850 | $1,200 |
| Transportation & vehicle | $500 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Other essentials | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Monthly Essentials Total | $3,200 | $5,025 | $6,450 |
Note these figures are approximate and pre-tax. For a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings and discretionary spending, budget a gross monthly income around $3,600 for a single person, $5,400 for a couple, or $7,200+ for a family of four in Westminster.
Lifestyle Factors
Westminster offers a mix of suburban amenities and relative affordability 20-30 minutes from downtown Denver. Commuters value the city’s convenient highway and RTD transit access. Over 60% of residents own their homes, and many neighborhoods feature parks, trails, and open space.
Newer homes in Westminster’s developing areas like Bradburn Village and Downtown Westminster command higher prices but offer modern features and walkable mixed-use villages. More affordable options can be found in the city’s older neighborhoods, where 1960s-1980s houses, duplexes, and apartments are common.
While Westminster’s cost of living exceeds the national average, it compares favorably to Denver proper and upscale suburbs like Boulder and Highlands Ranch. Families appreciate Westminster’s quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and community events. Singles and couples enjoy a growing roster of breweries, restaurants, and recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it expensive to live in Westminster?
While Westminster’s living costs exceed the U.S. average, it’s more affordable than central Denver and suburbs like Boulder. Expect to spend 10-20% less on housing in Westminster compared to the Denver metro median. - How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Westminster?
For a comfortable lifestyle, a single person needs around $3,600/month in gross income. Couples should aim for $5,400/month and families $7,200+. These figures allow for housing, food, healthcare, some savings, and discretionary spending. - What salary do you need to buy a house in Westminster?
To afford the median home price of $525,000, buyers need around $105,000 for a 20% down payment. With a 4.5% interest rate, the monthly payment would be about $2,100, requiring a household income of at least $85,000, depending on other debts. - How much are property taxes in Westminster?
Westminster homeowners pay annual property taxes equal to 0.55% of their home’s assessed value. For a $525,000 house, that’s $2,900 per year or $240 per month. - What is the sales tax rate in Westminster?
The total sales tax in Westminster is 8.35%, including state, county, city, and special district taxes. This applies to most goods and services, including groceries and dining out. - How does the cost of living in Westminster compare to Denver?
Overall living costs in Westminster are about 10% lower than in Denver proper. The biggest difference is housing, with Westminster rents and home prices averaging 15-20% less than central Denver. - What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Westminster?
Older neighborhoods in South and West Westminster often have the most affordable housing options, with many homes and apartments built before 1990. Look for rentals and fixer-uppers in areas like Harris Park, Skyline Vista, and Sunset Ridge. - How much does childcare cost in Westminster?
Childcare is a major expense for Westminster families. Expect to pay $1,100-1,400 per month for full-time infant care or $900-1,100 for preschool-age kids. Some families save on childcare by enlisting family help or forming nanny shares.