Moving from Peoria, IL to Westminster, CO
The drive from Peoria, IL to Westminster, CO runs 933 mi — about 16h 23m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
933 mi · 16h 23m by car · CO → NE → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Boulder, Arvada, Lakewood, Denver, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.231 in Peoria to 105.782 in Westminster, a 15.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Westminster: 15.9% above Peoria on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 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: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.41 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.9% between Peoria and Westminster (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 Illinois 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 Peoria and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 52.7°F in Peoria (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 37.6 in.
Is Westminster more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 15.9% higher than Peoria (105.782 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Peoria 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 933 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 63.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 309.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Westminster, CO from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 933 mi and the route typically takes 16h 23m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Westminster, CO.