Moving from Westminster, CO to Albuquerque, NM
The 460 mi from Westminster to Albuquerque translate to about 8h 4m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
460 mi Β· 8h 4m by car Β· NM β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 24, US 36 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Centennial, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Albuquerque | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Albuquerque is 9.7% cheaper than Westminster overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Albuquerque is 9.7% below Westminster β $527,654 vs $344,457 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Westminster | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Westminster (52.4Β°F) and Albuquerque (56.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 562,488 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $65,604 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 38.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.7% between Westminster and Albuquerque (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Albuquerque MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,500 | $39,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 36,930 | $28,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 33,230 | $33,280 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,010 | $38,960 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,950 | $81,890 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and New Mexico
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Mexico'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Albuquerque average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 New Mexico after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Albuquerque?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 460 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $527,654 in Westminster β a 34.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Albuquerque?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $96,145 in Westminster β a 31.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Albuquerque, NM from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 460 mi and the route typically takes 8h 4m via I 25 and US 24. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Albuquerque more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 9.7% lower than Westminster (95.546 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Albuquerque compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 1,590,330 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 Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO Β· Albuquerque, NM.