Key factors that impact the cost of your Winston-Salem to Rochester movetoggle

The cost of Winston-Salem movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Winston-Salem to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,306, while larger moves may reach $7,356 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Winston-Salem.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $579 to $1,444, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Rochester

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

Check out how Winston-Salem compares to Rochester so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Winston-Salem Rochester
Average rent cost $1,300 $1,250
Average home value $248,806 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $62,431 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $2,420 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,265 $4,921
Unemployment rate 5.2% 9.8%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.5% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 4% lower than in Winston-Salem, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Rochester.
    Home prices in Rochester are 19.4% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • Income in Rochester is 2.9% higher than in Winston-Salem, so you could earn more 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 6.0% lower than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 6.5% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 88.46% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Rochester are 14.29% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 142.22% higher than in Winston-Salem.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,819.01 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.

How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Rochester

Rochester Winston-Salem
Population 211,328 249,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 61 22
Bike friendliness score 60 29
Crime Index 37.54 32.67
Safety Index 36.66 67.33
Air Quality Good Good
  • Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 15% less than Winston-Salem.
  • Rochester offers better access to buses and trains than Winston-Salem, based on public transportation ratings. Rochester has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Winston-Salem. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Rochester means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Winston-Salem. Rochester is considered more walkable than Winston-Salem, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 22 out of 100 in Winston-Salem. A cityโ€™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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem is rated as 29 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Rochester is higher than in Winston-Salem, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 37.54 in Rochester, it is 32.67 in Winston-Salem. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Rochester. With a crime index of 36.66, Rochester ranks lower in overall safety than Winston-Salem, whose index is Winston-Salem's 67.33. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Rochester and Winston-Salem is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem 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 regulationsโ€”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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in New York, though it\โ€™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 toRochester 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 youโ€™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
  • South Wedge
  • Park Avenue
  • Downtown
  • Strong

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Rochester

After getting comfortable in your new New York home, itโ€™s time to see what Rochester is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Rochester include museums and art centers like 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 cityโ€™s Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Rochester?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Winston-Salem to Rochester are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Winston-Salem are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Rochester?

With many people choosing to move from Winston-Salem to Rochester in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Winston-Salem to Rochester take?

Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Rochester, NY covers 676 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Winston-Salem movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources