Top local movers for Columbia to Rochester moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Columbia that also provides long-distance services to Rochester can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed seven local movers in Columbia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Columbia to Rochester.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Rochester?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 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 | $1,060 – $3,800 | $799 – $1,827 | $584 – $1,048 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,234 – $5,451 | $1,328 – $2,776 | $582 – $1,184 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,545 – $7,434 | $1,782 – $3,447 | $782 – $1,450 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Rochester
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Rochester typically costs between $1,060 and $3,800. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,234 and $5,451 when moving from Columbia to Rochester. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Columbia to Rochester, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,545 up to $7,434.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Rochester
If you’re relocating from Columbia to Rochester, you’ll typically spend between $799 and $1,827 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,328 up to $2,776. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,782 and $3,447. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Rochester
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Columbia 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 $584 and $1,048. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $582 to $1,184. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $782 and $1,450.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Columbia to Rochester
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Columbia to Rochester might be as low as $1,843, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,256.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Columbia.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $584 to $1,385 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Rochester
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Rochester runs about 16% higher for singles and 15% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,274 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $4,921 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 10.9% |
- Good news! When moving to Rochester from Columbia, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 14% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 9% 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 Columbia, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Rochester, as the cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 16% greater than in Columbia. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Rochester, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 15% more than it is in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester exceeds that of Columbia by about 88%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Rochester and Columbia (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 56% higher in New York than in South Carolina. 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 Columbia and Rochester, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbia than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Rochester.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Rochester.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Rochester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Rochester.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Rochester
| Columbia | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 60 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 55% greater than Columbia.
- Rochester’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Rochester is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Rochester is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Rochester’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 37.54 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 36.66 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia 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 Columbia to Rochester?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbia to Rochester. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Rochester?
With many people choosing to move from Columbia 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 Columbia to Rochester take?
Covering 815 miles, the move from Columbia, SC to Rochester, typically takes two to seven days. Some Columbia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Rochester can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Columbia can handle specialty items for my move to Rochester?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Columbia, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 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
Columbia moving services
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