Moving from Westminster, CO to Scottsdale, AZ
The drive from Westminster, CO to Scottsdale, AZ runs 824 mi β about 15h 44m 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.
824 mi Β· 15h 44m by car Β· AZ β UT β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β UT β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 50, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Scottsdale | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Westminster (105.782) and Scottsdale (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Scottsdale: 2.3% above Westminster on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Westminster | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 11.6" |
Major climate step-up: 17.2Β°F warmer annual average in Scottsdale vs Westminster.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.06 |
Income steps up 2.3%: $96,145 in Westminster vs $107,372 in Scottsdale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale 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 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
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 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 (17.2Β°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 much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $527,654 in Westminster β a 62.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 824 mi and the route typically takes 15h 44m via I 70 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 824 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 2.3% lower than Westminster (103.316 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale 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.
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $96,145 in Westminster β a 11.7% 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 Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO Β· Scottsdale, AZ.