Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Westminster, CO
Relocating 1229 mi from Ann Arbor to Westminster is a 21h 52m drive through 6 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.
1229 mi · 21h 52m by car · MI → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MI → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Ann Arbor and Westminster sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Westminster ($527,654) sits close to Ann Arbor ($523,391) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.2°F vs 52.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Westminster sees 44.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.41 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.9% higher in Westminster than Ann Arbor.
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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- 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 does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 18.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor 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 1229 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 Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 0.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 37.9 in.
How far is Westminster, CO from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 1229 mi and the route typically takes 21h 52m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Westminster more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 4.9% higher than Ann Arbor (105.782 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Westminster, CO.