Moving from Boulder, CO to Westminster, CO
Moving from Boulder, CO to Westminster, CO is a 16 mi drive, about 25 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
16 mi · 25 min by car · CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, CO 157 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Boulder (105.202) and Westminster (105.782) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Westminster: 0.6% below Boulder on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boulder | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 14.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Westminster.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Westminster is 0.6% above Boulder ($85,364 → $96,145, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Westminster MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Westminster averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Westminster average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Westminster sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $964,531 in Boulder — a 45.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Boulder and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 51.5°F in Boulder (0.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 92.8 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 21.2 in.
How far is Westminster, CO from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 16 mi and the route typically takes 25 min via US 36 and CO 157. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boulder to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 16 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $85,364 in Boulder — a 12.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Westminster more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 0.6% higher than Boulder (105.782 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO · Westminster, CO.