Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay $2,009–$9,876 for a move from San Diego to Rochester, with most moves taking seven to 21 days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,618 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Rochester to San Diego guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from San Diego to Rochester
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from San Diego to Rochester isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NY move
Local moving companies in San Diego
- Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Rochester?
San Diego movers charge $200 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,593 - $6,370 | $1,643 - $4,045 | $1,801 - $3,453 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,792 - $9,876 | $3,124 - $6,072 | $2,009 - $4,361 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,012 - $15,292 | $3,935 - $8,603 | $2,513 - $4,942 |
Cost to hire movers from California to New York
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to New York, you can expect prices to land between $1,593 and $6,370. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,792 to $9,876 for the trip from CA to NY. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $9,012 and $15,292.
Cost of moving containers from California to New York
Moving containers from California to New York will cost you $1,643 to $4,045 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,124 to $6,072. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,935 to $8,603. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to New York
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $1,801 and $3,453. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,009 to $4,361. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,513 and $4,942.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Rochester
What to know before moving from San Diego to Rochester
Moving from San Diego to Rochester means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in Rochester, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Diego compares to Rochester so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Diego | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Rochester are 57% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Rochester.
Home prices in Rochester are 80.0% lower than in San Diego. - Income in Rochester is 12.0% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Rochester — including Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Bausch + Lomb — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Rochester. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 32.0% lower than in San Diego.
- A move to Rochester can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 36.2% less than what it costs in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is 48.48% higher than in San Diego.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Rochester, since its sales taxes are 3.23% higher than what you are paying in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Rochester is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in San Diego.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,038.85 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Rochester
| Rochester | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 1,386,932 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 43 |
| Crime Index | 37.54 | 39.83 |
| Safety Index | 36.66 | 60.17 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Rochester's population is about 85% less than San Diego.
- Rochester's public transportation has a similar score to San Diego.
- Rochester is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 61 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Rochester is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Rochester and San Diego have a similar crime rate.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 36.66 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Rochester is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Rochester. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- Park Avenue
- Strong
- Ellwanger-Barry
Best neighborhoods for families
- Cobbs Hill
- Upper Monroe
- Strong
- Swillburg
- 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, ARTISANworks, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
- 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Rochester?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Rochester. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Rochester?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego 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 San Diego to Rochester take?
Covering 2,618 miles, the move from San Diego, CA to Rochester, NY typically takes seven to 21 days. Some San Diego movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Rochester can help bridge the gap.
