Top local movers for Detroit to Rochester moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Detroit that also provides long-distance services to Rochester can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 36 local movers in Detroit who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Detroit to Rochester.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Rochester?
Movers in Michigan generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,005 – $3,040 | $614 – $1,397 | $330 – $572 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,730 – $5,050 | $1,048 – $2,185 | $362 – $727 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,656 – $6,884 | $1,415 – $2,697 | $423 – $845 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Rochester
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Rochester typically costs between $1,005 and $3,040. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,730 and $5,050 when moving from Detroit to Rochester. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Detroit to Rochester, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,656 up to $6,884.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Rochester
If you’re relocating from Detroit to Rochester, you’ll typically spend between $614 and $1,397 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,048 up to $2,185. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,415 and $2,697. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Rochester
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Detroit to Rochester move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $330 and $572. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $362 to $727. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $423 and $845.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Detroit to Rochester
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Detroit to Rochester might be as low as $1,352, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,745.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Detroit.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $330 to $725 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Rochester
Many movers find Rochester easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 9% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,274 for one person in Rochester versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $4,921 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 10.9% |
- Switching from Detroit to Rochester won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 174% higher in Rochester than in Detroit.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 70% higher in Rochester than in Detroit, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Rochester. The cost of living for a single person is 9% less compared to Detroit.
- Relocating to Rochester could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 26% lower than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester exceeds that of Detroit by about 8%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Rochester exceed those in Detroit by 33%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 156% higher in New York than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Detroit and Rochester, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Rochester.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Rochester.
- Bread costs are about the same in both places.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Rochester.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Rochester
| Detroit | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 60 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 67% less than Detroit.
- Rochester’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Rochester is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Rochester is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Rochester’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 37.54 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Rochester is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 36.66 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Rochester move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in New York, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Rochester without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Rochester
Ready to relocate to The Flour City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Rochester.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Avenue
- Swillburg
- South Wedge
- Park Avenue
- Downtown
- Strong
- Ellwanger-Barry
Best neighborhoods for families
- Cobbs Hill
- Upper Monroe
- Strong
- Swillburg
- Browncroft
- Park Avenue
Things to do in Rochester
Now that you’ve made the move to New York, it’s the perfect time to explore Rochester. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Rochester include museums and art centers like the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and ARTISANworks.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL)Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Rochester?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Detroit to Rochester. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Rochester?
With many people choosing to move from Detroit to Rochester in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Detroit to Rochester take?
Covering 325 miles, the move from Detroit, MI to Rochester, typically takes one to four days. Some Detroit movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Rochester can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Detroit offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Detroit can handle specialty items for my move to Rochester?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Detroit, 22 movers can handle pianos. 8 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
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