Top local movers for Portland to Rochester moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Portland that also provides long-distance services to Rochester can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed nine local movers in Portland who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Portland to Rochester.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Rochester?
Movers in Maine generally charge an average of $225 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 | $1,292 – $3,671 | $657 – $1,658 | $390 – $713 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,267 – $5,557 | $1,162 – $2,334 | $437 – $837 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,844 – $8,296 | $1,515 – $2,908 | $538 – $1,050 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Rochester
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Portland to Rochester typically costs between $1,292 and $3,671. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,267 and $5,557 when moving from Portland to Rochester. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Portland to Rochester, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,844 up to $8,296.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Rochester
If you’re relocating from Portland to Rochester, you’ll typically spend between $657 and $1,658 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,162 up to $2,334. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,515 and $2,908. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Rochester
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Portland 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 $390 and $713. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $437 to $837. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $538 and $1,050.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Portland to Rochester
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Portland to Rochester might be as low as $1,690, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,022.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Portland.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $390 to $994 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Portland to Rochester
Many movers find Rochester easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 9% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,274 for one person in Rochester versus $2,491 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $4,921 compared with $6,060.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 10.9% |
- Good news! When moving to Rochester from Portland, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 37% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 63% 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 Portland, 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 9% less compared to Portland.
- 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 19% lower than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester exceeds that of Portland by about 88%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Rochester exceed those in Portland by 45%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 88% higher in New York than in Maine. 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 Portland and Rochester, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Portland | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Rochester.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Rochester.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Rochester.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Rochester.
How life is different in Portland vs. Rochester
| Portland | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 60 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 209% greater than Portland.
- Rochester’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- Rochester and Portland are similarly walkable.
- Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Rochester’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 37.54 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 36.66 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland 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 Portland to Rochester?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Portland to Rochester. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Rochester?
With many people choosing to move from Portland 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 Portland to Rochester take?
Covering 490 miles, the move from Portland, ME to Rochester, typically takes one to four days. Some Portland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Rochester can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Portland can handle specialty items for my move to Rochester?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Portland, 9 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of ME, there are 13 piano movers and 7 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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