The best local movers for Madison to Rochester moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Madison that also handles long-distance moves to Rochester. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Madison who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Madison to Rochester.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Rochester?
The average hourly rate for movers in Wisconsin is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 – $3,910 | $730 – $1,786 | $543 – $950 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,233 – $5,769 | $1,381 – $2,580 | $562 – $1,152 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,879 – $7,570 | $1,779 – $3,291 | $697 – $1,440 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Rochester
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Rochester will cost between $1,157 and $3,910. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Madison to Madison will range from $2,233 to $5,769, and a large move from Madison to Rochester will cost from $3,879 to $7,570.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Rochester
If you’re moving from Madison to Rochester, expect to pay between $730 and $1,786 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,381 up to $2,580. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,779 and $3,291. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Rochester
Renting a moving truck from Madison to Rochester is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $543 and $950. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $562 and $1,152. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $697 up to $1,440 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Madison to Rochester
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,883, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,699.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($543–$1,373) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Madison to Rochester
Many movers find Rochester easier on the wallet than Madison – roughly 1% less for singles and 10% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,274 for one person in Rochester versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it’s $4,921 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 10.9% |
- If you’re heading to Rochester from Madison, you’ll find that rent is roughly 22% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 45% less in Rochester than in Madison.
- Fortunately, the average income in Rochester and Madison is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Rochester and Madison, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to Rochester can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 10% less than in Madison.
- In Rochester, the unemployment rate is approximately 197% higher than in Madison, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 45% in Rochester over Madison, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 42% higher in New York than in Wisconsin, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Madison and Rochester:
| Living Expense | Madison | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Rochester.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Rochester.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Rochester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Rochester.
How life is different in Madison vs. Rochester
| Madison | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 60 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 22% less than Madison.
- Rochester’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Madison, making them very similar.
- Rochester is more walkable than Madison with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Rochester’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 37.54 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 36.66 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Rochester move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: New York doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Rochester. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Rochester
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Flour City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in New York, it’s time to get out and discover what Rochester has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Rochester, such as the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and ARTISANworks.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Rochester Americans (AHL)Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Rochester?
The best time to move from Madison to Rochester is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Rochester?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Madison to Rochester, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Madison to Rochester take?
Moving from Madison, WI to Rochester, covers 756 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Madison movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Madison?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Madison advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Madison provide antique moving services. State totals show 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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