Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Westminster, CO
A 1774 mi cross-country move between Elizabeth and Westminster is 32h 1m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1774 mi · 32h 1m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.0% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Westminster at 105.782 vs Elizabeth at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $534,667 vs $527,654.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5°F) and Westminster (52.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Westminster averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.41 |
Westminster households earn about 6.0% more than Elizabeth at the median — $63,874 → $96,145 on ACS 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 Jersey 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
- 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 much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 1.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Westminster more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 6.0% lower than Elizabeth (105.782 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Westminster, CO from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1774 mi and the route typically takes 32h 1m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 50.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (3.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 46.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth 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 1774 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Westminster, CO.