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 record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NY move
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.
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Lunardi Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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 |
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 move
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.
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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 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.