Moving from Worcester, MA to Denver, CO
Cross-country relocations like Worcester, MA → Denver, CO cover 1941 mi and about 35h 21m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1941 mi · 35h 21m by car · CO → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Denver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Worcester (102.523) and Denver (105.782) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Denver: 3.2% above Worcester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Denver -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 15.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 49.0 in of snowfall annually at Denver.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 713,734 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $91,681 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 33.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.2% between Worcester and Denver (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denver 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 Massachusetts 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
- 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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Denver averages 49.0 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 Denver average 90°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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Denver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,681 in Denver vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 35.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Denver compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $539,666 in Denver vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 25.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Denver more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denver is 3.2% higher than Worcester (105.782 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Denver?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.4°F in Denver vs 48.1°F in Worcester (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 49.0 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 15.4 in vs 48.3 in.
How far is Denver, CO from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1941 mi and the route typically takes 35h 21m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Denver?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1941 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Denver, CO.