$1,216 Movers From Chicago to Rochester

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Rochester, NY averages from $545 to $5,367 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Rochester, NY.

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

Moving from Chicago to Rochester resources

Moving 602 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Rochester?

Chicago movers charge $100 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 $1,216 - $3,625 $717 - $1,731 $467 - $880
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,050 - $5,367 $1,320 - $2,491 $545 - $1,024
4+ bedrooms $3,833 - $8,185 $1,727 - $3,286 $662 - $1,224
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 602 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.

The cost to move from Chicago to Rochester will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Rochester?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Rochester will cost between $1,216 to $3,625. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,050 to $5,367, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Rochester will cost from $3,833 to $8,185.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Rochester?

Moving containers from Chicago to Rochester will cost you $717 to $1,731 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,320 to $2,491. A larger home will cost $1,727 to $3,286.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Rochester?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $467 to $880. A larger move will cost $545 to $1,024, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Rochester costs from $662 to $1,224. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Rochester moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Rochester is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Rochester.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Rochester

Cost of living: Chicago vs Rochester

Chicago Rochester
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,250
Average home value $306,098 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $64,214
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $2,274
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $4,921
Unemployment rate 9.0% 9.8%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 22% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Rochester are 34.5% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Rochester is 2.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 127.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 37.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 8.89% higher than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Rochester are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,815.18 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Rochester?

Rochester Chicago
Population 211,328 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 61 77
Bike friendliness score 60 72
Crime Index 37.54 35.19
Safety Index 36.66 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Rochester's population is about 92% less than Chicago.
  • Rochester's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Rochester is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Rochester is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Rochester's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 37.54 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Rochester is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 36.66 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Rochester is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Rochester

  • 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 is one of the busiest moving states in the country, and local and intrastate moving companies operating within the Empire State are regulated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). 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.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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
  • Downtown
  • Strong
  • Ellwanger-Barry

Best neighborhoods for families:

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

What to do in Rochester

These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.

  • The Strong National Museum of Play
  • George Eastman Museum
  • Seabreeze Amusement Park
  • Rochester Public Market
  • Seneca Park Zoo
  • Frontier Field

Get your sports on!

Rochester is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Rochester Americans (AHL)
  • Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Rochester

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

The best time to move from Chicago to Rochester is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF in Rochester.

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

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Rochester in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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