Moving from Buffalo, NY to Westminster, CO
It is 1523 mi and 27h 33m from Buffalo to Westminster — a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1523 mi · 27h 33m by car · NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Westminster runs about 10.4% more expensive overall than Buffalo — RPP 95.844 → 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $238,089 in Buffalo to $527,654 in Westminster, a 10.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Buffalo | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.8°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: BUFFALO, NY US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.41 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.4% — $48,050 → $96,145 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 New York 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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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 Buffalo vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $48,050 in Buffalo — a 100.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Westminster, CO from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 1523 mi and the route typically takes 27h 33m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $238,089 in Buffalo — a 121.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Westminster more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 10.4% higher than Buffalo (105.782 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo 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 1523 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Buffalo and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 48.8°F in Buffalo (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 95.4 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 40.7 in.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Buffalo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 526,990 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 Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY · Westminster, CO.