Moving from Rochester, MN to Greeley, CO
It is 857 mi between Rochester and Greeley — roughly 15h 23m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
857 mi · 15h 23m by car · MN → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 35, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Fort Collins |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Greeley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 100.176 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 81.997 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 112.599 | 100.0 |
Greeley runs about 10.3% more expensive overall than Rochester — RPP 90.821 → 100.176.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $339,455 in Rochester to $420,464 in Greeley, a 10.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Greeley -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 34.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 14.7" |
Annual temperature rises 7.3°F moving to Greeley per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Greeley sees 34.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, GREELEY UNC, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 109,421 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $68,650 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 32.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 15.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.81 |
Greeley households earn about 10.3% less than Rochester at the median — $87,767 → $68,650 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Greeley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,370 | $46,100 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 11,010 | $52,590 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,590 | $47,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,120 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,660 | $32,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- 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: Greeley averages 34.9 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 Greeley average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Greeley sees only 14.7 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
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Greeley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $68,650 in Greeley vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 21.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Greeley more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greeley is 10.3% higher than Rochester (100.176 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Greeley compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $420,464 in Greeley vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 23.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Greeley?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 857 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Greeley?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.1°F in Greeley vs 44.8°F in Rochester (7.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 34.9 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 14.7 in vs 34.7 in.
How does the job market in Greeley compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,140 in the Greeley MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 111,210 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Greeley, CO from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 857 mi and the route typically takes 15h 23m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 35. 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Greeley, CO.