Moving from Lancaster, CA to Westminster, CO
A move from Lancaster, CA to Westminster, CO covers 1002 mi and around 17h 36m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1002 mi Β· 17h 36m 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, CA 58 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Victorville, Las Vegas, Henderson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lancaster | 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 |
RPP moves from 113.566 to 105.782, putting Westminster roughly 6.9% below Lancaster on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Westminster at $527,654 is 6.9% above Lancaster at $465,847.
YoY change: Lancaster -2.1%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lancaster | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 6.8" | 14.5" |
Westminster is 9.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (62.1Β°F vs 52.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Westminster.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lancaster | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,013 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $76,083 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.7% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.26 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Westminster is 6.9% above Lancaster ($76,083 vs $96,145, 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.
- 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 Lancaster vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $76,083 in Lancaster β a 26.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Westminster more expensive than Lancaster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 6.9% lower than Lancaster (105.782 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Westminster, CO from Lancaster, CA?
The driving distance is 1002 mi and the route typically takes 17h 36m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Lancaster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $465,847 in Lancaster β a 13.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1002 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Lancaster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $50,490 in the Lancaster 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lancaster.
City profiles: Lancaster, CA Β· Westminster, CO.