Rochester, NY to St. Paul, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to St. Paul typically costs $2,600–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,001 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Rochester to St. Paul
Moving from Rochester, NY to St. Paul, MN typically costs $2,600–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,001-mile move from Rochester to St. Paul, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,731 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,096 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,188 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Rochester to St. Paul move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,100 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,100 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Rochester.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from St. Paul, MN to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to St. Paul movers by type
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Best professional movers from Rochester to St. Paul
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Rochester to St. Paul much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best NY→MN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 148 New York movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to St. Paul
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - St. Paul runs about 60% higher for singles and -13% higher for families than Rochester.
Singles spend around $3,633 in St. Paul versus $2,274 in Rochester; families pay $4,290 compared with $4,921.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Rochester | St. Paul | |
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| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $278,221 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $63,483 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $3,633 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $4,290 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.88% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 9.85% |
- Planning a move to St. Paul? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 8% higher than in Rochester, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in St. Paul are about 39% higher than those in Rochester.
- In terms of average income, St. Paul and Rochester are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in St. Paul, as living costs for a single person are 60% higher than in Rochester. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- A move to St. Paul can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13% less than what it costs in Rochester.
- The unemployment rate in St. Paul is about 50% lower than in Rochester. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in St. Paul are 24% more than in Rochester, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Minnesota are 10% below those in New York. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Rochester and St. Paul:
| Living Expense | Rochester | St. Paul |
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| 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 Rochester vs. St. Paul
| Rochester | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 303,176 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 64 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 50.86 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 49.14 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Paul's population is about 43% greater than Rochester.
- St. Paul's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Rochester's score of 6.
- St. Paul and Rochester are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 64 out of 100, St. Paul is more bike-friendly than Rochester, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- St. Paul's crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 50.86 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- St. Paul is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 49.14 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to St. Paul 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Minnesota’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Minnesota 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 St. Paul. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives 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 St. Paul
Planning your move to Pigs Eye? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in St. Paul.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- St. Anthony Park
- Summit Hill
- Summit-University
- Union Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Macalester-Groveland
- Summit Hill
- Highland
- Union Park
- St. Anthony Park
Things to do in St. Paul
After settling into your new Minnesota home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, St. Paul has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: St. Paul features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional 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 Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to St. Paul?
Planning your move from Rochester to St. Paul? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Rochester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to St. Paul?
Because most people are moving from Rochester to St. Paul 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 Rochester to St. Paul take?
The 1,001-mile journey from Rochester, NY to St. Paul, MN, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Rochester offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in St. Paul.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Rochester?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Rochester, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, New York has 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.