Moving from Huntington Beach, CA to Westminster, CO
It is 1029 mi between Huntington Beach and Westminster β roughly 18h 11m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
1029 mi Β· 18h 11m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 15, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Long Beach, Torrance, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntington Beach | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Westminster at 105.782 vs Huntington Beach at 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,366,658 to $527,654 moving to Westminster.
YoY change: Huntington Beach +2.8%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Huntington Beach | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 79Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.2" | 14.5" |
Annual temperature drops 12.5Β°F moving to Westminster per NOAA normals.
Westminster averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntington Beach | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,010 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $119,885 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 43.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.41 |
Households in Westminster earn about 6.9% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 California 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Westminster average 91Β°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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 the job market in Westminster compare to Huntington Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $50,490 in the Huntington Beach MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Huntington Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $1,366,658 in Huntington Beach β a 61.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Westminster more expensive than Huntington Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 6.9% lower than Huntington Beach (105.782 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Huntington Beach to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1029 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Westminster, CO from Huntington Beach, CA?
The driving distance is 1029 mi and the route typically takes 18h 11m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Huntington Beach vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $119,885 in Huntington Beach β a 19.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntington Beach.
City profiles: Huntington Beach, CA Β· Westminster, CO.