Key factors that impact the cost of your Mesa to Rochester movetoggle

The cost of Mesa movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Mesa to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,552, while larger moves may reach $12,781 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Mesa.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,556 to $4,121, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Mesa to Rochester

Moving from Mesa to Rochester means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Mesa than in Rochester, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Mesa compares to Rochester so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Mesa Rochester
Average rent cost $1,786 $1,250
Average home value $432,892 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $64,524 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $2,416 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,566 $4,921
Unemployment rate 6.1% 9.8%
Sales tax 8.3% 8.0%
State income tax 2.5% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 30% lower than in Mesa, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Rochester.
    Home prices in Rochester are 53.7% lower than in Mesa.
  • Income is the same in Rochester and Mesa. The top employers in Rochester include Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Bausch + Lomb.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 5.9% lower than in Mesa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 11.6% lower than in Mesa.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 60.66% higher than in Mesa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Rochester are 3.61% lower than in Mesa.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 336.00% higher than in Mesa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,823.68 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mesa.

How life is different in Mesa vs. Rochester

Rochester Mesa
Population 211,328 504,258
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 61 38
Bike friendliness score 60 60
Crime Index 37.54 44.67
Safety Index 36.66 55.33
Air Quality Good Good
  • Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 58% less than Mesa.
  • Rochester offers better access to buses and trains than Mesa, based on public transportation ratings. Rochester has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Mesa. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Rochester means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Mesa. Rochester is considered more walkable than Mesa, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 38 out of 100 in Mesa. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Rochester and Mesa are similarly bike-friendly based on their rating of 60. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Rochester has a lower crime rate than Mesa based on scores of 37.54 and Mesa's 44.67, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Rochester. With a crime index of 36.66, Rochester ranks lower in overall safety than Mesa, whose index is Mesa's 55.33. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Rochester and Mesa is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Mesa vs. Rochester move

  • Weather: The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: 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 verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Rochester. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Flour City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Rochester.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Avenue
  • Swillburg
  • South Wedge
  • Park Avenue
  • Strong

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Upper Monroe
  • Strong
  • Swillburg
  • Browncroft
  • Park Avenue

Things to do in Rochester

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in New York, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Rochester has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Rochester features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, ARTISANworks, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Mesa to Rochester?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Mesa to Rochester are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Mesa are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Rochester?

With many people choosing to move from Mesa 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 Mesa to Rochester take?

Moving from Mesa, AZ to Rochester, NY covers 2,254 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Mesa movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources