Quick answer: Expect to pay $2,156–$9,589 for a move from San Jose 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 2,746 miles.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Rochester to San Jose guide.

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best Movers By Type

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Professional
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Labor Only

Best Professional Movers from San Jose to Rochester

Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from San Jose to Rochester can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.

Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NY movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The best local movers servicing San Jose to Rochester moves

Finding a trusted local moving company in San Jose that offers long-distance services to Rochester can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.

Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in San Jose who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.

Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from San Jose to Rochester.

  1. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Vector Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Lunardi Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/allreasonsmoving/,
91% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word of mouth meets reliability at All Reasons Moving & Storage. Out of 306 customer inputs, 90.5% were favorable, underscoring exceptional service. Clients repeatedly cite the team's professionalism, careful handling, quick and efficient moves, positive staff attitudes, and reliable communication as stand-out features.
Customers appreciate on-time arrivals, accuracy in cost estimates, and meticulous treatment of their property—qualities that set the company above most competitors. Negative feedback accounts for 8.2% of responses, mainly describing damaged items, surprise fees, or rare poor staff interactions. Most concerns focus on breakage during moves or storage and disputes about extra charges. Neutral comments, at 1.3%, describe higher-than-expected costs or minor miscommunication but rarely mention major setbacks. All Reasons earns strong trust for its emphasis on permanent, well-trained crews rather than temporary day labor—a rare trait. Compared to typical moving companies, customer input shows they provide a notably stress-free moving experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 240-0244

Company Info

State license #: 0189789

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 70719

Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/vectormoving/, https://twitter.com/MovingVector
85% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves, careful teams, and upbeat attitudes define the feedback for Vector Moving and Storage, based on 71 customer submissions. A strong 84.5% of clients praised their efficient work, respectfulness, and how gently possessions were handled. Customers frequently mentioned quick process times, professional approach, and feeling highly confident in their choice, noting the staff’s courtesy and attention to property.
Despite many stress-free experiences, 15.5% of feedback flagged recurring problems: broken items during transit, delays, larger-than-promised bills, and unresolved complaints were cited as major setbacks. While most moving companies struggle to match Vector’s ratio of glowing to problematic feedback, issues like damage, surprise add-ons, or timing should be weighed against their reputation for speed and professionalism.
Show more
Get a Quote (844) 468-6683

Company Info

State license #: 0191802

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3152229


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/LunardiMovingServices/, https://twitter.com/lunardimovers
95% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy: Out of 544 customer feedback entries, 94.7% praised Lunardi Moving for efficiency, care with belongings, professionalism, and helpful staff. Customers repeatedly highlighted attentive and polite crews, swift moving, and careful handling of items. Some reviewers described consistent experiences across multiple moves, including delicate items and complex jobs.
A small number of clients, about 3.5%, cited higher-than-expected bills, unexpected fees, or occasional item damage. Neutral feedback often referenced additional charges or less-than-perfect estimates, despite generally satisfactory service. Compared to other moving companies, Lunardi stands out with strong service consistency and attentive staff, though clarity in quoting could be improved to match industry leaders on price transparency.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 849-9630

Company Info

State license #: 0190625

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2762936


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/ninjamoversbayarea/, https://twitter.com/ninjamovers
80% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Ninja Movers’ speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings—80% of 500 reviews were positive. Crews consistently arrive on time, work efficiently, carefully wrap furniture, and provide helpful, polite service, making moving easier and less stressful than with other companies. Many mention clear communication from booking to completion, and several note rates are competitive.
Some feedback highlights standout customer support when issues happen. On the downside, complaints focus on items damaged during handling, surprise charges compared to initial quotes, and delivery delays. Compared to similar moving companies, Ninja Movers earns top marks for efficient operations and courteous staff, but may fall short for those expecting flawless results, zero damages, or strictly guaranteed pricing. Most customer input strongly recommends them for local and long-distance moves, but suggests carefully reviewing estimates and policies for extra peace of mind.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 638-6963

Company Info

State license #: 0191848

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2967361

Alternate Names: Ninja Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Rochester?

San Jose movers charge $119 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 $1,553 - $7,016 $1,742 - $4,384 $1,991 - $3,490
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,764 - $9,589 $2,999 - $6,647 $2,156 - $4,593
4+ bedrooms $8,870 - $14,554 $4,051 - $8,709 $2,673 - $5,583
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,746 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

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 $1,553 and $7,016. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,764 to $9,589 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 $8,870 and $14,554.

Cost of moving containers from California to New York

If you're relocating from California to New York, you'll typically spend between $1,742 and $4,384 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,999 up to $6,647. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,051 and $8,709. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to New York

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,991 and $3,490. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,156 and $4,593. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,673 and $5,583.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that impact the cost of your San Jose to Rochester movetoggle

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from San Jose to Rochester might cost just $1,553 for a one-bedroom, but up to $14,306 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in San Jose, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,991 and $4,849, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from San Jose to Rochester

Moving from San Jose 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 Jose than in Rochester, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

San Jose Rochester
Average rent cost $3,095 $1,250
Average home value $1,453,657 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $83,421 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $3,674 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,354 $4,921
Unemployment rate 6.6% 9.8%
Sales tax 9.38% 8.0%
State income tax 13.3% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 60% lower than in San Jose, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Rochester.
    Home prices in Rochester are 86.2% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Rochester is 23.0% lower than in San Jose, 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 38.1% lower than in San Jose.
  • 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 41.1% less than what it costs in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 48.48% higher than in San Jose.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the city's sales taxes in Rochester are 14.71% lower than in San Jose.
  • One perk of moving to Rochester is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in San Jose.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,856.83 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How life is different in San Jose vs. Rochester

Rochester San Jose
Population 211,328 971,233
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 61 51
Bike friendliness score 60 62
Crime Index 37.54 47.73
Safety Index 36.66 52.27
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Rochester's population is about 78% less than San Jose.
  • Rochester's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus San Jose's higher score of 7.
  • Rochester is more walkable than San Jose with a score of 61 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
  • Both Rochester and San Jose have the same bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, meaning Rochester is about as safe for cyclists as San Jose. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Rochester's crime rate is lower than San Jose with a score of 37.54 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
  • Rochester is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 36.66 vs San Jose's 52.27.
  • Air quality in Rochester is good, and in San Jose it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Jose 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company's license by visiting 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: 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Rochester

Now that you've chosen Flour City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Rochester to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Swillburg
  • Park Avenue
  • Downtown
  • Strong
  • Ellwanger-Barry

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Cobbs Hill
  • Upper Monroe
  • Strong
  • Browncroft
  • Park Avenue

Things to do in Rochester

After settling into your new New York home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Rochester has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • 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, ARTISANworks, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Jose to Rochester?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Jose to Rochester You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Jose.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Rochester?

Because spring and fall moves from San Jose to Rochester are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from San Jose to Rochester take?

The 2,746-mile journey from San Jose, CA to Rochester, NY, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in San Jose offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources