Moving from Westminster, CO to Goodyear, AZ
The drive from Westminster, CO to Goodyear, AZ runs 856 mi — about 16h 31m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
856 mi · 16h 31m by car · CO → UT → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → UT → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 191, US 160 |
| Major cities en route | Thornton, Boulder, Denver, Aurora, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Goodyear | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Goodyear and Westminster are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.3% lower in Goodyear than Westminster as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Westminster | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 107°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 7.4" |
NOAA normals show Goodyear running 21.5°F above Westminster on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.87 |
Income steps up 2.3%: $96,145 in Westminster vs $101,814 in Goodyear.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- 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.
- 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.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 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 warmer climate (21.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Goodyear compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Westminster and Goodyear?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 73.9°F in Goodyear vs 52.4°F in Westminster (21.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 44.8 in. Annual precipitation: 7.4 in vs 14.5 in.
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $96,145 in Westminster — a 5.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Goodyear more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 2.3% lower than Westminster (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 856 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Goodyear, AZ from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 856 mi and the route typically takes 16h 31m via I 70 and US 191. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $527,654 in Westminster — a 11.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO · Goodyear, AZ.