Moving from Lakewood, CO to Richardson, TX
Relocating 801 mi from Lakewood to Richardson is a 14h 33m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
801 mi Β· 14h 33m by car Β· CO β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 25, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Arvada, Westminster, Boulder, Thornton, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | Richardson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.782 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $573,913 to $440,400 moving to Richardson.
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Richardson -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lakewood | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 41.9" |
Expect 15.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAKEWOOD, CO US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 118,269 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $96,257 |
| Median age | 38 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 33.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.6 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.5% higher in Richardson than Lakewood.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richardson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Richardson average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Richardson compare to Lakewood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Richardson MSA vs $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Lakewood vs Richardson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,257 in Richardson vs $85,789 in Lakewood β a 12.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richardson, TX from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 801 mi and the route typically takes 14h 33m via US 287 and I 25. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lakewood to Richardson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 801 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Richardson more expensive than Lakewood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richardson is 2.5% lower than Lakewood (103.09 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Richardson compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $440,400 in Richardson vs $573,913 in Lakewood β a 23.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakewood.
City profiles: Lakewood, CO Β· Richardson, TX.