Moving from Madison, WI to Westminster, CO
A move from Madison, WI to Westminster, CO covers 951 mi and around 17h 12m of driving through 4 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.
951 mi Β· 17h 12m by car Β· WI β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.287 in Madison to 105.782 in Westminster, a 8.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Westminster: 8.7% above Madison on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 14.5" |
Westminster runs 5.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°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: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Westminster is 8.7% above Madison ($76,983 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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 much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $423,767 in Madison β a 24.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Westminster more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 8.7% higher than Madison (105.782 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 951 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 Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 951 mi and the route typically takes 17h 12m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $76,983 in Madison β a 24.9% higher 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Westminster, CO.