Top-rated movers to make your St. Paul to Rochester move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in St. Paul that offers long-distance services to Rochester can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 34 top local movers in St. Paul who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from St. Paul to Rochester.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 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: 105
DOT #: 1127088
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- 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 #: 1452848
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1452848
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Rochester?
In Minnesota, moving services typically cost around $209 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 – $4,876 | $866 – $2,051 | $634 – $1,180 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,513 – $5,971 | $1,435 – $2,915 | $713 – $1,460 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,203 – $7,987 | $2,076 – $3,797 | $843 – $1,867 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Paul to Rochester
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Rochester from St. Paul, you can expect prices to land between $1,210 and $4,876. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,513 to $5,971 for the trip from St. Paul to Rochester. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,203 and $7,987.
Cost of moving containers from St. Paul to Rochester
Moving containers from St. Paul to Rochester will cost you $866 to $2,051 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,435 to $2,915. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,076 to $3,797. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Rochester
Renting a moving truck from St. Paul to Rochester typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $634 and $1,180 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $713 to $1,460. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $843 to $1,867.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Paul to Rochester move
The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,385 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,227 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in St. Paul.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $634 to $1,627, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Rochester
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Rochester runs about -37% higher for singles and 15% higher for families than St. Paul.
Singles spend around $2,274 in St. Paul versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $4,921 compared with $4,290.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| St. Paul | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | |
| Average home value | $278,221 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,633 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,290 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.88% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 10.9% |
- When relocating from St. Paul to Rochester, expect to find rent about 7% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 28% more affordable in Rochester compared to St. Paul.
- In terms of average income, Rochester and St. Paul are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Rochester, as the cost of living for a single person is 37% lower compared to St. Paul.
- If you’re moving your family to Rochester, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 15% higher than in St. Paul.
- Rochester shows an unemployment rate that exceeds St. Paul by around 100%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 19% less in Rochester relative to St. Paul. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in New York are 11% above those in Minnesota. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between St. Paul and Rochester:
| Living Expense | St. Paul | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | |
| Gym membership | $50.77 |
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Rochester
| St. Paul | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,176 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 60 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 60 |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 49.14 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 30% less than St. Paul.
- Rochester’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul’s score of 8.
- Rochester and St. Paul are similarly walkable.
- Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64.
- Rochester’s crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 37.54 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than St. Paul with a score of 36.66 vs St. Paul’s 49.14.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in St. Paul it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul to Rochester move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New York’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Rochester
Planning your move to The Flour City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
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: Rochester features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL)Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Rochester?
Planning your move from St. Paul to Rochester? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in St. Paul.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Rochester?
Because most people are moving from St. Paul to Rochester in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from St. Paul to Rochester take?
The 1,008-mile journey from St. Paul, MN to Rochester, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in St. Paul 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.
Are there special savings available from movers in St. Paul?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 provide savings for AAA members. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in St. Paul?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In St. Paul, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Minnesota has 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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