Moving from Thornton, CO to Westminster, CO
Relocating from Thornton, CO to Westminster, CO? The drive is 9.0 mi β about 17 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.
9.0 mi Β· 17 min by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Major cities en route | Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.782 vs 105.782 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
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $502,945 vs $527,654.
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thornton | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Thornton (52.4Β°F) and Westminster (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (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: NORTHGLENN, CO US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.41 |
Median household incomes in Thornton ($100,985) and Westminster ($96,145) are within a few percent (ACS 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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $502,945 in Thornton β a 4.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Thornton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $58,490 in the Thornton 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.
How does household income compare in Thornton vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $100,985 in Thornton β a 4.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Westminster, CO from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 9.0 mi and the route typically takes 17 min via the primary interstate. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Thornton to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 9.0 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO Β· Westminster, CO.