Moving from Rochester, MN to Westminster, CO
Relocating 881 mi from Rochester to Westminster is a 15h 25m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
881 mi · 15h 25m by car · MN → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 16.5% above Rochester — 90.821 → 105.782 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
16.5% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 14.5" |
Expect 7.6°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Westminster.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.41 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 16.5% higher in Westminster than Rochester.
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 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: 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
How far is Westminster, CO from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 881 mi and the route typically takes 15h 25m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 44.8°F in Rochester (7.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 34.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 881 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 55.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Westminster more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 16.5% higher than Rochester (105.782 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 9.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Westminster, CO.