Moving from Lincoln, NE to Westminster, CO
It is a 487 mi drive, roughly 8h 21m, between Lincoln, NE and Westminster, CO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
487 mi · 8h 21m by car · NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, US 36 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Thornton, Aurora, Denver, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.5% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.5% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $291,062 to $527,654 moving to Westminster.
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Lincoln (52.3°F) and Westminster (52.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Westminster averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.41 |
Westminster households earn about 15.5% more than Lincoln at the median — $69,991 → $96,145 on 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.
Moving between Nebraska and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 29.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln 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 487 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 37.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 81.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Westminster more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 15.5% higher than Lincoln (105.782 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Westminster, CO from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 487 mi and the route typically takes 8h 21m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 179,040 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 Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Westminster, CO.