Moving from Westminster, CO to Chicago, IL
A move from Westminster, CO to Chicago, IL covers 1003 mi and around 17h 45m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1003 mi Β· 17h 45m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago and Westminster are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Chicago typical home at $317,283 is 2.1% under Westminster at $527,654 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Westminster | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.4Β°F vs 50.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 2.1% below Westminster ($96,145 vs $75,134, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $96,145 in Westminster β a 21.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 2.1% lower than Westminster (103.595 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 1003 mi and the route typically takes 17h 45m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1003 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 Chicago compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $527,654 in Westminster β a 39.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO Β· Chicago, IL.