Top-rated local movers that handle Minneapolis to Rochester moves
When planning a move from Minneapolis to Rochester, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 34 local movers in Minneapolis who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Minneapolis to Rochester.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Move Crew: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
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
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 380620
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2552505
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to Rochester?
Movers in Minnesota charge $209 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 | $1,283 – $5,075 | $784 – $2,011 | $641 – $1,254 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,643 – $6,281 | $1,450 – $2,974 | $735 – $1,475 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,161 – $8,231 | $2,056 – $3,991 | $905 – $1,831 |
Cost to hire movers from Minneapolis to Rochester
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Minneapolis to Rochester, you can expect to spend between $1,283 and $5,075. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,643 to $6,281 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Minneapolis to Rochester typically runs between $4,161 and $8,231.
Cost of moving containers from Minneapolis to Rochester
When moving from Minneapolis to Rochester, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $784 and $2,011. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,450 to $2,974. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,056 up to $3,991. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Rochester
Renting a moving truck in Minneapolis is usually your cheapest option to get to Rochester. 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 $641 and $1,254. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $735 and $1,475. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $905 and $1,831.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Minneapolis to Rochester
The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,290, but larger homes can run up to $6,740.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Minneapolis.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($641–$1,659) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Rochester
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Rochester runs about -42% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Minneapolis.
Singles spend around $2,274 in Minneapolis versus $3,900 in Minneapolis; families pay $4,921 compared with $4,710.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Minneapolis | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 10.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 16% lower in Rochester than in Minneapolis, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 36% lower in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Rochester than in Minneapolis.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Rochester, where the cost of living for a single person is 42% less than in Minneapolis.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Rochester and Minneapolis, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is 118% higher compared to Minneapolis, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 11% lower in Rochester than in Minneapolis. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Rochester can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in New York compared to Minnesota. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Minneapolis with Rochester:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- Eggs cost more in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- Bread is more expensive in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships cost more in Minneapolis than in Rochester.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Rochester
| Minneapolis | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 60 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 50% less than Minneapolis.
- Rochester’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Minneapolis’s score of 8.
- Rochester is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Minneapolis’s 71 out of 100.
- Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Minneapolis, which has a score of 83.
- Rochester’s crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 37.54 compared to Minneapolis’s 56.06. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than Minneapolis with a score of 36.66 vs Minneapolis’s 43.94.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Minneapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis to Rochester move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New York doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Rochester smoothly. Start the process 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: 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 chosen The Flour City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Rochester to check out.
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
Things to do in Rochester
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it’s time to see what Rochester is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Rochester offers cultural landmarks like the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and ARTISANworks.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Rochester Americans (AHL)Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Rochester?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Minneapolis to Rochester are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Minneapolis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Rochester?
Because spring and fall moves from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Rochester take?
A move of 1,017 miles from Minneapolis, MN to Rochester, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Minneapolis sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Rochester is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Minneapolis?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Minneapolis, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Minneapolis offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 28 movers in Minneapolis have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MN, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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