Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Minneapolis typically costs $2,500–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,018 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Rochester to Minneapolis
Moving from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN typically costs $2,500–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,018-mile move from Rochester to Minneapolis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $2,611 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,594 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,544 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 18, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 10, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Rochester to Minneapolis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,200, but larger homes can run up to $8,300.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Rochester.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($800–$2,000) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Minneapolis, MN to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to Minneapolis movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Rochester to Minneapolis
For a stress-free interstate move from Rochester to Minneapolis, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NY→MN movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 148 New York moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Minneapolis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Minneapolis runs about 72% higher for singles and -4% higher for families than Rochester.
Singles spend around $3,900 in Minneapolis versus $2,274 in Rochester; families pay $4,710 compared with $4,921.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Rochester | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $2,707 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $312,602 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $70,099 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $3,900 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $4,710 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.03% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 9.85% |
- As you consider relocating to Minneapolis, note that rent can be roughly 19% more expensive than it is in Rochester; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 56% higher in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 9% higher in Minneapolis compared to Rochester, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Minneapolis, since the cost of living for a single person is 72% more than in Rochester. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Minneapolis and Rochester, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Minneapolis experiences an unemployment rate that is about 54% lower than that of Rochester. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 13% higher in Minneapolis than in Rochester. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 10% lower in Minnesota compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Rochester with Minneapolis:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $164.65 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $50.68 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $4.15 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Minneapolis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- Bread costs less in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Minneapolis
| Rochester | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 425,115 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 83 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 56.06 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 43.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Minneapolis's population is about 101% greater than Rochester.
- Minneapolis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Rochester's score of 6.
- Minneapolis is more walkable than Rochester with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 out of 100.
- With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Rochester, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Minneapolis's crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 56.06 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Minneapolis is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 43.94 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in Minneapolis is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to Minneapolis move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Minnesota doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Minneapolis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Minneapolis
Now that you've chosen City of Lakes as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Linden Hills
- Loring Park
- Northeast Minneapolis
- North Loop (Warehouse District)
- Uptown
- Whittier
Best neighborhoods for families
- Diamond Lake
- Fulton
- Kenny
- Linden Hills
- Minnehaha
Things to do in Minneapolis
After getting comfortable in your new Minnesota home, it's time to see what Minneapolis is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Minneapolis offers cultural landmarks like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, and The Museum of Russian Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)Minnesota Twins (MLB)Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Minneapolis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Rochester to Minneapolis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Rochester are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Minneapolis?
Because spring and fall moves from Rochester to Minneapolis are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Rochester to Minneapolis take?
A move of 1,018 miles from Rochester, NY to Minneapolis, MN generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Rochester sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Minneapolis is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Rochester offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Rochester have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
