Moving from Westminster, CO to Meridian, ID
It is 817 mi between Westminster and Meridian — roughly 13h 37m 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.
817 mi · 13h 37m by car · ID → UT → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, US 189 |
| Major cities en route | Nampa, Boise City, Salt Lake City, Fort Collins, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Meridian | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.0% moving from Westminster to Meridian — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Meridian ($526,994) sits close to Westminster ($527,654) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Meridian 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Westminster | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 11.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.4°F vs 53.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Meridian sees 17.6 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 124,865 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $98,686 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 29.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.75 |
Household income lines up — $96,145 vs $98,686 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Meridian MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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: Meridian averages 17.6 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 Meridian average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Meridian sees only 11.5 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Meridian?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Meridian more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Meridian is 7.0% lower than Westminster (98.391 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Meridian compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $526,994 in Meridian vs $527,654 in Westminster — a 0.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Westminster and Meridian?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Meridian vs 52.4°F in Westminster (0.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.6 in vs 44.8 in. Annual precipitation: 11.5 in vs 14.5 in.
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Meridian?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,686 in Meridian vs $96,145 in Westminster — a 2.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Meridian, ID from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 13h 37m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Meridian compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Meridian MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 372,470 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 · Meridian, ID.