Moving from Buffalo to Rochester, NY
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Buffalo to Rochester costs between $80 to $3,810 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 76-mile route within New York take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Buffalo to Rochester
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Buffalo to Rochester are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Buffalo to driving and unloading in Rochester, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 76 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,092 - $3,040 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $845 - $1,508 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $97 - $162 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Wayfinder Moving Services | $200/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Rochester?
It costs between $80 to $3,810 to move from Buffalo to Rochester. The prices below break down your 76-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $567 - $3,810
- Moving containers: $614 - $1,816
- Rental trucks: $80 - $162
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $567 - $2,591 | $614 - $1,062 | $80 - $138 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,092 - $3,040 | $845 - $1,508 | $97 - $162 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,426 - $3,810 | $1,078 - $1,816 | $113 - $162 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $276 - $2,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $200/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $184 - $736 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $184 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Buffalo to Rochester
At 76 miles, your Buffalo to Rochester move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Buffalo to Rochester. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 76 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Wayfinder Moving Services is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Buffalo to Rochester. They've been in business since 2018 (8 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 227 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester to Buffalo guide.
Considerations when moving from Buffalo to Rochester
Cost of living: Buffalo vs. Rochester
When weighing the cost of living in Buffalo versus Rochester, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Rochester really compares to Buffalo.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Buffalo | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $153,273 | $120,492 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,050 | $46,628 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,720 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 9.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.0% |
- Rent prices in Rochester are similar to those in Buffalo, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Rochester are 21% lower than in Buffalo. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income levels in Buffalo and Rochester are quite similar, so you can expect steady earning potential and less financial stress in your new city.
- Living in Rochester is 12% cheaper for one person compared to Buffalo. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Rochester, you’ll find that the cost of living is 14% lower than in Buffalo. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is the same as in Buffalo, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Rochester than in Buffalo. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Rochester can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Buffalo, you’d need about $2,640 in Rochester.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Rochester
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Buffalo and Rochester. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Buffalo | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 211,328 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-42 | Democratic 59-38 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 39" | 33" |
| Annual snow | 85" | 77" |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 37.54 |
Rochester sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Rochester is approximately 24% lower than the population of Buffalo. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Buffalo and Rochester leaned Democratic.
- In Rochester and Buffalo, summer highs run about the same — 82°F vs. 81°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Buffalo and Rochester face similar winter lows—Buffalo drops to 17°F, while Rochester falls to 17°F.
- Buffalo usually sees more rain than Rochester, with about 39 inches of rainfall each year compared to Rochester’s 33 inches.
- Typically, Buffalo gets more snow than Rochester, averaging 85 per year versus Rochester’s 77.
- Rochester reports a higher crime index than Buffalo, with scores of 37.54 and 8.0, respectively.
Things to do in Rochester
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Rochester has it all.
Museums in Rochester
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- George Eastman Museum
- National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
- ARTISANworks
- Rochester Museum & Science Center
Parks in Rochester
- Seabreeze Amusement Park
- Highland Park
- Erie Canal Trail
- Cobbs Hill Park
- Ontario Beach Park
Sports teams in Rochester
- Rochester Americans (AHL)
- Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC)
Universities in Rochester
- University of Rochester
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- St. John Fisher College
- Nazareth College of Rochester
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Buffalo to Rochester?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Buffalo to Rochester, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $509 and $2,140. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,092 up to $3,040. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,426 to $3,810 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Buffalo to Rochester?
Moving containers from Buffalo to Rochester will cost you $446 to $1,089 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $845 to $1,508. A larger home will cost $1,078 to $1,816.
How much is a moving truck from Buffalo to Rochester?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $81 to $132. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $97 and $162. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Buffalo to Rochester, costs usually fall between $113 and $162.
How far in advance should I book Buffalo-to-Rochester movers?
To make your move from Buffalo to Rochester as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Rochester?
For the best deals on your move to Rochester, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
