Cost of Living in Westminster, CA

Population 90,147 · California · Data vintage 2023

225
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Westminster sits 169% above the national median — $820,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $82,686 (11% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 7.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Westminster is part of the immediate Garden Grove metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Garden Grove's $766,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 269
Rent 160

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Westminster

The median home value in Westminster is $820,000 — 169% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,100/month, 60% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,686/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 76.4°F and lows of 56.0°F. Overall, Westminster has a cost of living index of 225 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 125% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$820,000
169% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,074,130
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,100/mo
60% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,530/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.5x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 52.2%
Renter-occupied 47.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,100
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,714/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.2 min
12% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.4%
Carpooled
15.2%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
9.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$82,686
11% above avg
Per Capita Income
$34,477
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
53% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Labor Force Participation
60.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.5%
Graduate degree 7.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.7
Male median age 41.5
Female median age 41.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.4°F
Avg Low
56.0°F
Annual Precip
11.9"
40° 53° 65° 78° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 696971747679848785807468
Low °F 464852545863666665585146
Precip" 2.853.021.740.590.300.080.020.020.140.500.741.86

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
43.8%
Good air days/yr
166
Max AQI recorded
204
PM2.5 days
142
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Westminster, CA?

Westminster has a cost index of 225 (100 = national average). It is 125% above the national average.

What is average rent in Westminster, CA?

The median gross rent in Westminster is $2,100 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Westminster?

The median home value in Westminster is $820,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Westminster?

The median household income in Westminster is $82,686 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Westminster, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Westminster is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Westminster, CA affordable?

Westminster is above average in cost of living, with an index of 225 — about 125% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Westminster?

Westminster has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 56.0°F. Annual precipitation is 11.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Westminster at a Glance

Population
90,147
Median Income
$82,686
Home Value
$820,000
Median Rent
$2,100/mo
Unemployment
7.4%
Avg High Temp
76.4°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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