Moving from Westminster, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
Relocating 1229 mi from Westminster to Ann Arbor is a 21h 52m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1229 mi · 21h 52m by car · MI → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MI → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Westminster to Ann Arbor — $527,654 vs $523,391 (2026-03).
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Westminster | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 37.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.43 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.6% lower in Ann Arbor than Westminster.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- 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: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1229 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $527,654 in Westminster — a 0.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Westminster and Ann Arbor?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Ann Arbor vs 52.4°F in Westminster (4.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 59.3 in vs 44.8 in. Annual precipitation: 37.9 in vs 14.5 in.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 4.6% lower than Westminster (100.88 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 1229 mi and the route typically takes 21h 52m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $96,145 in Westminster — a 15.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 1,590,330 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 Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO · Ann Arbor, MI.