Moving from Lakewood, CO to Westminster, CO
Relocating from Lakewood, CO to Westminster, CO? The drive is 16 mi — about 28 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
16 mi · 28 min by car · CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CO 95, CO 391, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Lakewood 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
Homes in Westminster run about 0.0% cheaper — ZHVI $573,913 → $527,654 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakewood | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.4°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: LAKEWOOD, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 38 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.41 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% higher in Westminster than Lakewood.
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.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Lakewood vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $85,789 in Lakewood — a 12.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $573,913 in Lakewood — a 8.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lakewood 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 16 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Westminster, CO from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 16 mi and the route typically takes 28 min via CO 95 and CO 391. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Lakewood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Lakewood and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 50.4°F in Lakewood (2.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 58.0 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 17.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakewood.
City profiles: Lakewood, CO · Westminster, CO.