Moving from Torrance, CA to Westminster, CO
It is 1039 mi between Torrance and Westminster β roughly 18h 20m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1039 mi Β· 18h 20m 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, US 66 HIST |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Inglewood, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Torrance | 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 |
Expect about 6.9% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Westminster at 105.782 vs Torrance at 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,124,932 to $527,654 moving to Westminster.
YoY change: Torrance +0.9%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Torrance | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 76Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.8" | 14.5" |
Annual temperature drops 10.1Β°F moving to Westminster per 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: REDONDO BEACH, CA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Torrance | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,499 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $113,105 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.2% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.41 |
Households in Westminster earn about 6.9% less at the median β 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Torrance vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $113,105 in Torrance β a 15.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Torrance to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1039 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 Torrance?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $50,490 in the Torrance 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.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Torrance?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $1,124,932 in Torrance β a 53.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Westminster, CO from Torrance, CA?
The driving distance is 1039 mi and the route typically takes 18h 20m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Westminster more expensive than Torrance?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 6.9% lower than Torrance (105.782 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Torrance.
City profiles: Torrance, CA Β· Westminster, CO.