($647+) Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Rochester, NY, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $647 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,989 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,018 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,784, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,989 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,127 - $3,681, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $647 - $1,831.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Rochester, NY, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,178 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN
There are 3 main ways to move from Rochester to Minneapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,178 - $5,122. Moving containers run about 34% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 68% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,018-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,018-mile route from Rochester to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,784 - $4,224 | $1,127 - $2,139 | $647 - $1,180 | $983 - $1,868 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,178 - $5,122 | $1,435 - $3,004 | $692 - $1,445 | $1,160 - $2,308 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,677 - $6,989 | $2,016 - $3,681 | $870 - $1,831 | $1,549 - $3,254 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN
For the 1,018-mile move from Rochester, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $1,784 and $6,989. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $289 - $1,924 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Rochester generally start around $294 plus $216 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Rochester to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,784 - $4,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,178 - $5,122
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,677 - $6,989
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Rochester to Minneapolis.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 78% of Rochester movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing65% of local movers | $481 - $4,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready78% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $192 - $1,154/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,309 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $962 - $2,886 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,405 - $9,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $721 - $1,369 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items18% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $962 - $2,405 |
| Piano | Any piano type30% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $770 - $3,367 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $289 - $1,443 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $625 - $1,924 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,367+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Rochester to Minneapolis?
Movers licensed to operate in Minnesota are typically members of the Minnesota Transport Services Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Rochester, NY. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Rochester, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,127 and $3,681. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Rochester costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Rochester to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,127 - $2,139
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,435 - $3,004
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,016 - $3,681
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $144 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Minneapolis, MN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $673 in Rochester, NY. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York to Minnesota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,127. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,435 - $3,004.
What are the best moving containers Rochester to Minneapolis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Rochester to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Rochester:
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Joe's Moving Co. (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck for this 1,018-mile move from Rochester, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $647 and $1,831. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $312 - $356
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Rochester daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Rochester to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $647 - $1,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $692 - $1,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $870 - $1,831
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $647 - $1,831 when pricing out a rental truck from Rochester to Minneapolis. Fuel alone runs $312 - $356, and overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $144 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $63 and $313 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $312 - $356 in fuel for the 1,018-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $673 in Rochester, New York, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Rochester to Minneapolis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Rochester, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,160 and $2,308.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Rochester to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $983 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,160 - $2,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,549 - $3,254
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $72 and $144.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Rochester, New York, for roughly five hours typically average $673.
What are the best freight companies from Rochester to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Minneapolis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Rochester, NY vs Minneapolis, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Minneapolis, side by side with Rochester on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Rochester, NY | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 89 | 107 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $120,492 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $46,628/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 61/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 36.66/100 | 43.94/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Rochester, NY guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Minnesota over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 520 movers in our New York network to compare for this 1,018-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Rochester, NY, to Minneapolis, MN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,784 for a studio to $6,989 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,018-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,127 - $3,681. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $647 - $1,831, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,178 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Rochester, NY, to Minneapolis, MN
What is the cheapest way to move from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $692 - $1,445. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Rochester?
Local movers based in Rochester typically start around $294 as a base rate, plus $216/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Rochester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 30% of movers in Rochester handle piano moves, and 18% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.