Living in North Coast, nestled within nature and diversity, compared to Westminster, known for its rich Vietnamese culture and bustling city life, presents two contrasting lifestyles. While North Coast offers a tranquil environment, Westminster is bustling with urban amenities. In terms of safety, cost of living, education, employment, each has its unique features. However, both locations share certain attributes – vibrant culture, impressive food scene, and considerable commuting options which appeal to both residents and tourists.
Both North Coast and Westminster have their fair share of crime rates compared to the national average. However, compared to other California cities, Westminster has a safer index. It's important to note that North Coast's crime rate can be higher due to its larger area comprising of several counties with diverse socioeconomic conditions. Safety can vary from town to town.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the North Coast can be lower compared to Westminster thanks to lower housing prices and fewer city amenities. Prices in Westminster, being closer to Los Angeles, tend to be slightly higher due to its extensive amenities and convenience.
Income Tax
Income tax rates in both North Coast and Westminster follow California's progressive income tax structure. The rates vary based on income levels, from 1% up to 13.3% on taxable income.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in California are capped at 1% under Proposition 13, and this applies to both North Coast and Westminster. However, the exact amount paid can vary based on local bond measures and the property's assessed value.
Sales Tax
The city and state sales tax of North Coast varies across its counties but typically falls within a similar range to those of Westminster. Westminster, part of Orange County, has a sales tax rate that's roughly close to the state average.
Income
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Estimated median household income
$102,807
$66,862
Estimated per capita income
$50,809
$34,044
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
90.5
If you make $50,000 in Westminster, you will have to make $53,094 in North Coast to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
North Coast, a region of coastal hills and forests, offers a calm and serene environment with potential for outdoor activities. Westminster, in contrast, is a typical southern Californian city offering urban convenience and proximity to beaches.
Geographical information
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Land area
59.4 sq. miles
10.1 sq. miles
Population density
6,335.5 people per sq. mile
8,920.8 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
North Coast, CA Westminster, CA
Education
In terms of education, a variety of school districts exist in both locations with similar ratings. The North Coast values outdoor and experiential learning, echoing the environmental consciousness of the location. Westminster, however, has a higher concentration of schools and resources from an educational perspective, offering a diverse range of programs for children and adults alike.
The North Coast's economy has historically been dependent on fishing, logging, and dairy industries while Westminster, being an urban city, has a diversified economy with opportunities in health care, retail, and education sectors. Westminster's economy has been booming with consistent job growth over the last decade.
Biggest Employers
In North Coast, the biggest employers are the fishing, logging, and dairy industries. Government employment is also significant here as it includes many small towns and unincorporated areas. In Westminster, the Westminster School District, Kindred Hospital Westminster, and Walmart are some of the main employers.
Weather
Climate-wise, the North Coast, with its proximity to the coast, boasts milder, cooler temperatures throughout the year, often shrouded in fog and mist. Westminster, on the other hand, experiences a more Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters – ideal for those who enjoy sunnier climates.
Weather and climate
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.2%
70.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.7%
26.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.7%
78.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13 in
13 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
26.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6 mph
6 mph
Average climate in North Coast, California
Average climate in Westminster, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
North Coast
Westminster
2018
119
119
0.35
0.35
14.4
14.2
26.1
26.2
N/A
N/A
27.5
27.5
12.6
12.5
0.7
0.7
2017
116
116
0.34
0.39
13.8
14.3
28.8
27.8
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
13.8
13.7
0.5
0.5
2016
102
102
0.33
0.40
12.2
13.4
29.3
27.9
N/A
N/A
24.1
24.1
12.5
12.6
0.2
0.3
2015
106
106
0.32
0.36
13.2
14.2
29.8
28.2
N/A
N/A
25.0
25.0
14.5
14.6
0.2
0.3
2014
110
110
0.29
0.33
12.9
14.0
28.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
15.5
15.7
0.4
0.5
2013
107
107
0.34
0.39
13.9
14.8
27.8
26.7
0.003
0.003
29.5
29.1
14.2
14.1
0.3
0.4
2012
103
103
0.30
0.37
12.7
14.0
26.8
26.0
0.004
0.004
28.2
27.8
14.3
14.4
0.1
0.2
2011
109
109
0.31
0.36
14.7
15.7
27.0
26.4
0.006
0.006
27.7
27.6
15.9
15.9
0.7
0.7
2010
102
102
0.33
0.38
14.3
15.7
26.2
25.5
0.011
0.011
23.6
23.6
14.0
14.3
0.6
0.6
2009
118
118
0.35
0.39
15.5
17.0
27.6
26.6
0.009
0.010
24.3
24.4
14.5
14.7
1.1
1.1
2008
124
124
0.39
0.41
16.5
18.4
28.2
27.0
0.010
0.010
29.5
29.8
21.6
21.6
1.1
1.1
2007
100
100
0.36
0.39
16.3
18.0
27.0
26.1
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
114
114
0.40
0.44
17.2
18.7
26.4
26.0
0.007
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
95
95
0.39
0.44
17.7
19.7
27.9
27.5
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
119
119
0.50
0.52
19.2
20.8
30.5
30.8
0.014
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
122
122
0.64
0.68
21.9
23.5
28.9
26.2
0.030
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.0
2002
106
107
0.65
0.71
22.0
23.8
25.5
23.8
0.018
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.9
2001
116
118
0.73
0.80
22.0
24.7
25.4
23.9
0.033
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.8
2000
125
125
0.80
0.81
24.4
27.0
24.0
22.9
0.027
0.028
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.6%
18.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,843.6%
6,892.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
Public transit in Westminster is more extensive, offering a range of options including buses, light-rail, and train services. North Coast's public transit encompasses buses and ferries, and car commuting is more common due to the area's rural nature.
Transport
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
21
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Bicycle
0.7%
0.6%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
10.7%
12.3%
Car alone
81.4%
82.9%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Average
28.8 min
25.9 min
Real Estate
Real estate in North Coast is generally more affordable due to its rural nature, with median home values lower than the state's average. Westminster, on the other hand, has a higher median house price due to its location within the larger LA metropolitan area.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in North Coast typically reflect a smaller-town feel, with close-knit communities. Westminster offers a mix, from bustling areas to quieter suburban communities, and is known for its vibrant "Little Saigon" neighborhood, a hub of Vietnamese culture.
Houses and residents
Type
North Coast
Westminster
Houses
137,450
29,012
Average household size (people)
2.7
3.4
Houses occupied
133,254 (96.9%)
27,935 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
84,546 (63.4%)
13,512 (48.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
48,708 (36.6%)
14,423 (51.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,340
$2,156
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,099,558
$595,517
Estimated median house or condo value
$883,291
$762,300
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.9
Renting percentage
37.7%
42.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,312.7
2,869.5
Household income disparities
41.2%
50%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,396 (19.5%)
158 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
282 (0.4%)
559 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
55,188 (80.5%)
7,902 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
6,297 (9.2%)
91 (1.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,643 (11.1%)
747 (9.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,532
2,842
State government workers
5,751
1,165
Unpaid family workers
744
0
Industries and Occupations
The more rural North Coast has lumber, tourism, and agriculture as its key industries. Many locals are engaged in these sectors for their livelihood. Westminster, however, has a varied occupational pie, with retail, healthcare, and professional services leading the way.
Health Care
Both locations are well-equipped with health care facilities. North Coast's rural setting has adequate medical facilities, but severe cases may require transfers to larger cities. Westminster, with several well-equipped hospitals and clinics, offers superior health care facilities.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in Westminster is more developed, owing to its urban environment, with convenient access to numerous amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. North Coast, while offering necessary facilities, leans more towards nature and offers a lower-key lifestyle with larger outdoor spaces and parks.
Infrastructure
Type
North Coast
Westminster
TV stations
2
2
Culture and Food
Both areas boast rich cultures. North Coast enjoys a laid-back vibe and is famous for its vineyards and wineries, farmers' markets, and outdoor events. Westminster, home to 'Little Saigon,' has a thriving Vietnamese culinary scene along with numerous cultural festivals.
Sports Teams
While the North Coast doesn't have any professional sports teams, it's a paradise for outdoor activities. Westminster, being part of Greater LA, has access to prominent professional teams like the LA Lakers, Clippers, Angels, and Kings.
North Coast, CA
Westminster, CA
North Coast, CA and 
Westminster, CA : 2.7 miles
