Westminster, CO vs. Thornton, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Westminster vs Thornton. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Westminster vs Thornton in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Westminster and Thornton. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare:
| Housing Type | Westminster | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,950 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Thornton. Housing costs are about 5% lower in Thornton compared to Westminster.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two Denver suburbs. Expect the following monthly utility bills on average:
- Electricity: $110-130
- Natural gas: $60-80 in summer, $120-150 in winter
- Water/sewer/trash: $90-110
- Internet: $60-80
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical in Westminster and Thornton.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like gas and dining out are comparable between Westminster and Thornton. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month per person on groceries and household items.
Restaurant prices are similar, with casual meals averaging $12-18 per person. Gas prices typically fall within 10 cents of each other between the two cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Daily expenses are very close between Westminster and Thornton.
4. Taxes and Fees
Westminster and Thornton have the same sales tax rate of 8.35%. Property taxes are also similar:
- Westminster effective property tax rate: 0.63%
- Thornton effective property tax rate: 0.66%
In Westminster, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400/month. Thornton HOAs tend to be slightly lower, around $150-350/month.
🏆 Winner: Westminster. Lower property taxes and HOA fees give Westminster a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Westminster | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,750 | $2,625 |
| Utilities | $350 | $350 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation (2 cars) | $500 | $500 |
| Taxes (property) | $288 | $302 |
| Misc (entertainment, etc) | $800 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,488 | $5,377 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are similar, Westminster and Thornton offer some lifestyle differences:
- Westminster has more open space and parks, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
- Thornton has more affordable homes with larger lots and more square footage
- Thornton averages 5°F warmer than Westminster in the winter months
- Westminster has slightly better walkability and bikeability scores
7. FAQ
- Is Westminster more affordable than Thornton? Thornton has a slight edge for overall affordability, mainly due to 5% lower housing costs.
- Which city has lower rent? Thornton rent prices are about $100/month lower than Westminster for a comparable apartment.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Median home prices in Thornton are around $25,000 less than in Westminster.
8. Conclusion
While Westminster and Thornton offer a similar cost of living overall, your individual budget and preferences can help determine which city is the better fit. Thornton comes out ahead for housing affordability, while Westminster offers lower property taxes and slightly better walkability.
To dive deeper into budgeting as a Westminster resident, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Westminster Residents. For a full overview of expenses in the city, see our Cost of Living in Westminster (2025 Guide).
Ultimately, both Westminster and Thornton provide a high quality of life in the Denver metro area without big city prices. We recommend visiting each city in person if possible to get a feel for which community suits your lifestyle best.