The Westminster, CO Salary Guide: Real Talk on Your $100k Paycheck

You made $100,000. Congratulations. In most places, that’s a milestone. In Westminster, Colorado, it’s a number that gets eaten alive by taxes and inflation.

We ran the numbers. We crunched the IRS tables. We looked at the rent prices. This is the unvarnished truth about what a six-figure salary actually buys you in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s kill the delusion immediately. You do not make $100,000. You make $74,336.

That is a 25.7% reduction in purchasing power before you pay a single bill.

Here is the forensic accounting of your paycheck:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• Colorado State Tax: -$4,400
• Local Tax: $0
• Net Take-Home Pay: $74,336

The Analysis:
This "sticker price" drop is significant. Colorado isn't a tax haven; it is a middle-ground state that hits you with a flat income tax. You are losing nearly $2,200 a month to the government right off the top.

However, compared to high-tax states like California or New York, you dodged a bullet. But make no mistake: that $100k feeling evaporates the moment you see that direct deposit.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,195, the standard 50/30/20 budget rule applies. But in Westminster, these percentages feel different because the "Needs" bucket is under pressure from housing costs.

Here is how your money needs to move:

Needs: $3,097 (50%)

The Survival Fund

This covers the roof over your head, the lights, and the food.

• Rent: In Westminster, a decent one-bedroom apartment averages between $1,800 and $2,100. You have room here, but you aren't living in luxury.
• Utilities & Insurance: Add another $300-$400.
• Groceries: Prices in Colorado have spiked. Budget $600+.

The Verdict: You can afford to live alone, but you are budget-conscious. If you want a roommate, you unlock serious capital for investing.

Wants: $1,858 (30%)

The Lifestyle Fund

This is your dining out, the ski pass, the Broncos tickets, and the Denver nightlife.

• The Colorado Tax: Living here is expensive because the activities are expensive. A day on the slopes isn't cheap. This $1,858 goes fast if you aren't disciplined.
• Transportation: You likely drive. Gas and insurance eat into this bucket.

Savings: $1,239 (20%)

The Wealth Creation Engine

This is your golden ticket.

• $1,239/month is $14,868/year.
• Roth IRA: Max that out ($7,000).
• Emergency Fund/401k: The rest goes here.

The Verdict: $1,239 is a solid savings rate. It puts you ahead of 80% of Americans. If you can keep your rent near $1,800, you can bump this to $2,000 easily.

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Westminster Taxes vs The Competition

Context is everything. Is Colorado’s tax burden fair? Let's pit Westminster against the heavy hitters.

The Competition: New York City (The Tax King)

• Scenario: $100k Salary.
• NYC Take Home: ~$68,000 (after Fed, FICA, NY State, and NYC Local Tax).
• Westminster Take Home: $74,336.
• The Difference: You keep $6,336 more in Westminster. That is a free vacation or a new car down payment every single year.

The Competition: Austin, Texas (The "No Tax" Myth)

• Scenario: $100k Salary.
• Austin Take Home: ~$74,000 (No state income tax, but high property taxes baked into rent).
• Westminster Take Home: $74,336.
• The Difference: A wash on income, but Texas has higher sales tax and property tax. Westminster wins on net tax efficiency for renters earning $100k.

The Verdict: Westminster is a tax sweet spot. You aren't getting gouged like a New Yorker, and you aren't paying the hidden property tax costs of a Texan.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Westminster?
A: Your effective tax rate on a $100,000 salary is roughly 25.7%. The breakdown is Federal (13.6%), FICA (7.65%), and Colorado State (4.4%). There are no additional city taxes.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Westminster?
A: Yes, it is a "good" salary that affords you a comfortable, single lifestyle with savings. However, it is no longer "wealthy." To buy a median-priced home in Westminster (~$550k), you would need a household income closer to $160,000. $100k is the entry point to stability, not luxury.

Q: Does Westminster have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, Westminster does not levy a separate municipal income tax on residents. You pay the standard Colorado state rate and federal rates.

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Methodology: Calculations based on 2026 IRS Tax Tables (Single Filer, Standard Deduction), Colorado State Tax Commission rates, and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cost-of-living data for the Denver-Aurora-Westminster metropolitan area.