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Top local movers for Grand Rapids to Rochester moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Grand Rapids that also provides long-distance services to Rochester can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in Grand Rapids who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Grand Rapids to Rochester.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids 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 | $1,162 – $3,138 | $662 – $1,605 | $377 – $718 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,955 – $5,038 | $1,114 – $2,279 | $435 – $843 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,622 – $7,442 | $1,511 – $2,748 | $537 – $1,055 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Rochester
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Rochester typically costs between $1,162 and $3,138. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,955 and $5,038 when moving from Grand Rapids to Rochester. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Grand Rapids to Rochester, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,622 up to $7,442.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Rochester
If you’re relocating from Grand Rapids to Rochester, you’ll typically spend between $662 and $1,605 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,114 up to $2,279. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,511 and $2,748. 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 Grand Rapids to Rochester
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Grand Rapids 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 $377 and $718. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $435 to $843. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $537 and $1,055.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Grand Rapids to Rochester
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Grand Rapids to Rochester might be as low as $1,550, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,694.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Grand Rapids.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $377 to $905 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Rochester
Many movers find Rochester easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids – roughly 57% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,274 for one person in Rochester versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $4,921 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 10.9% |
- Good news! When moving to Rochester from Grand Rapids, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 25% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 39% cheaper in Rochester, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Rochester and Grand Rapids, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Rochester. The cost of living for a single person is 57% less compared to Grand Rapids.
- 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 31% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester exceeds that of Grand Rapids by about 128%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Rochester exceed those in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids and Rochester, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Rochester, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Rochester.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Rochester.
- Bread is more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Rochester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Rochester.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Rochester
| Grand Rapids | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 60 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 6% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Rochester’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Grand Rapids, making them very similar.
- Rochester is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Rochester is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids with a score of 37.54 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 36.66 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Rochester?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Grand Rapids to Rochester. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Rochester?
With many people choosing to move from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Rochester take?
Covering 455 miles, the move from Grand Rapids, MI to Rochester, typically takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Rochester can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Grand Rapids offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Grand Rapids offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Grand Rapids can handle specialty items for my move to Rochester?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Grand Rapids, 10 movers can handle pianos. 4 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
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