Moving from Albany to Rochester, NY
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Quick answer: Moving from Albany to Rochester costs between $295 to $5,790 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 225-mile route within New York take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Albany to Rochester
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Albany to Rochester are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Albany to driving and unloading in Rochester, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 225 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,464 - $4,254 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,228 - $2,212 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $337 - $648 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Don's Moving & Storage | $115/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Albany to Rochester?
It costs between $295 to $5,790 to move from Albany to Rochester. The prices below break down your 225-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $898 - $5,790
- Moving containers: $962 - $2,981
- Rental trucks: $295 - $789
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $898 - $3,812 | $962 - $1,630 | $295 - $532 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,464 - $4,254 | $1,228 - $2,212 | $337 - $648 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,067 - $5,790 | $1,613 - $2,981 | $402 - $789 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $297 - $2,475+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $115/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $198 - $792 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $198 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Albany to Rochester
At 225 miles, your Albany to Rochester move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Albany to Rochester. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 225 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Clark Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Albany to Rochester. They've been in business since 1993 (33 years of experience) and 81.5% of their 81 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester to Albany guide.
Considerations when moving from Albany to Rochester
Cost of living: Albany vs. Rochester
The cost of living in Albany vs. Rochester isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Rochester compares to what you’re used to in Albany.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Albany | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $222,741 | $120,492 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,485 | $46,628 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,801 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,205 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 9.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent in Rochester is about 14% cheaper than in Albany. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Rochester are 46% lower than in Albany. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Rochester is 22% lower than in Albany, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- Living costs for one person are 26% higher in Rochester compared to Albany. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Rochester, plan for living expenses to be about 17% higher than in Albany. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Rochester is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is 38% higher than in Albany. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Rochester and Albany, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Albany, you’ll need about $3,780 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Rochester.
How life is different in Albany vs. Rochester
Before you move, check out how life in Rochester measures up to Albany. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Albany | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 99,224 | 211,328 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 65-33 | Democratic 59-38 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 15ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 33" |
| Annual snow | 52" | 77" |
| Crime index | 10.0 | 37.54 |
Rochester sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Rochester has a population roughly 113% higher than Albany. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Albany and Rochester supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Rochester and Albany have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Albany and Rochester—with winter lows around 15°F and 17°F.
- Expect wetter weather in Albany, where it averages 40 inches of rain annually—more than the 33 inches you’ll see each year in Rochester.
- Rochester gets more snow annually than Albany, with about 77 inches compared to Albany’s 52 inches.
- Rochester shows a higher crime rate than Albany, with index scores of 37.54 compared to 10.0.
Things to do in Rochester
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Rochester has plenty to offer:
Museums in Rochester
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- George Eastman Museum
- National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
- ARTISANworks
- Rochester Museum & Science Center
Parks in Rochester
- Seabreeze Amusement Park
- Highland Park
- Erie Canal Trail
- Cobbs Hill Park
- Ontario Beach Park
Sports teams in Rochester
- Rochester Americans (AHL)
- Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC)
Universities in Rochester
- University of Rochester
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- St. John Fisher College
- Nazareth College of Rochester
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Albany to Rochester?
Shipping furniture from Albany to Rochester with a moving company typically costs between $795 and $2,960. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,464 to $4,254. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,067 and $5,790 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Albany to Rochester?
If you’re planning a move from Albany to Rochester and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $717 and $1,636. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,228 to $2,212. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,613 to $2,981.
How much is a moving truck from Albany to Rochester?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $295 and $548. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $337 and $648. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Albany to Rochester, truck rentals usually range from $402 up to $789.
How far in advance should I book Albany-to-Rochester movers?
To make your move from Albany to Rochester as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Rochester?
The cheapest time of year to move to Rochester is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
