($1,455) Movers From Atlanta, GA to Rochester, NY

What to know before moving from Atlanta to Rochester

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

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

• Rent prices in Rochester are 34% lower than in Atlanta, 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 48.3% lower than in Atlanta.
• Income in Rochester is 2.9% lower than in Atlanta, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Rochester include Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Bausch + Lomb.
• The cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 27.4% lower than in Atlanta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 37.1% lower than in Atlanta.
• The unemployment rate in Rochester is 63.33% higher than in Atlanta.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the city’s sales taxes in Rochester are 10.11% lower than in Atlanta.
• State income taxes in Rochester are 98.54% higher than in Atlanta.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,176.77 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Atlanta.

How life is different in Atlanta vs. Rochester

• Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 58% less than Atlanta.
• Getting around Rochester without a car might be more difficult than in Atlanta. Rochester has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Atlanta is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Living in Rochester means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Atlanta. Rochester is considered more walkable than Atlanta, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 48 out of 100 in Atlanta. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Rochester is considered more bike-friendly than Atlanta in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, while Atlanta is rated as 42 out of 100.
• Rochester has a lower crime rate than Atlanta based on scores of 37.54 and Atlanta's 64.23, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• Rochester is generally as safe as Atlanta, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Rochester has better air quality than in Atlanta. Rochester has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Atlanta. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Atlanta 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.

Helpful moving resources