Moving from New York City to Rochester, NY
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Quick answer: Moving from New York City to Rochester costs between $382 to $6,703 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 332-mile route within New York take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from New York City to Rochester
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from New York City to Rochester are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in New York City 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 332 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,733 - $4,920 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,289 - $2,480 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $444 - $816 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Dumbo Moving and Storage | $110/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 New York City to Rochester?
It costs between $382 to $6,703 to move from New York City to Rochester. The prices below break down your 332-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,107 - $6,703
- Moving containers: $1,049 - $3,379
- Rental trucks: $382 - $1,018
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,107 - $4,089 | $1,049 - $1,914 | $382 - $747 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,733 - $4,920 | $1,289 - $2,480 | $444 - $816 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,853 - $6,703 | $1,846 - $3,379 | $551 - $1,018 |
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 | $516 - $4,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $190/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $344 - $1,376 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $86 - $344 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from New York City to Rochester
At 332 miles, your New York City 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 New York City to Rochester. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 332 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Zip to Zip Moving Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from New York City to Rochester. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 97.0% of their 369 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester to New York City guide.
Considerations when moving from New York City to Rochester
Cost of living: New York City vs. Rochester
When weighing the cost of living in New York City versus Rochester, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Rochester really compares to New York City.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| New York City | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,340 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $732,100 | $120,492 |
| Average income (per capita) | $127,894 | $46,628 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,683 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $15,081 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 9.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent in Rochester is around 71% less expensive than in New York City, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Rochester are 84% lower than in New York City. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Rochester is 64% lower than in New York City, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Rochester is 60% cheaper for one person compared to New York City. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Rochester, you’ll find that the cost of living is 67% lower than in New York City. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Rochester is 12% lower than in New York City. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in Rochester and New York City, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in New York City, you’d need about $1,200 in Rochester.
How life is different in New York City vs. Rochester
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in New York City and Rochester. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| New York City | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 211,328 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Democratic 59-38 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 33" |
| Annual snow | 25" | 77" |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 37.54 |
Rochester sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Rochester is approximately 97% lower than the population of New York City. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both New York City and Rochester leaned Democratic.
- In Rochester and New York City, summer highs run about the same — 82°F vs. 84°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, Rochester is colder than New York City, with winter lows of 17°F versus New York City’s 26°F.
- New York City usually sees more rain than Rochester, with about 47 inches of rainfall each year compared to Rochester’s 33 inches.
- Rochester usually sees more snow than New York City, averaging 77 annually compared to New York City’s 25.
- Rochester offers more peace of mind than New York City, with a lower crime index of 37.54 versus 50.83.
Things to do in Rochester
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Rochester has it all.
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 New York City to Rochester?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from New York City to Rochester, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,059 and $3,077. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,733 up to $4,920. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,853 to $6,703 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from New York City to Rochester?
Moving containers from New York City to Rochester will cost you $726 to $1,859 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,289 to $2,480. A larger home will cost $1,846 to $3,379.
How much is a moving truck from New York City to Rochester?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $398 to $718. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $444 and $816. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from New York City to Rochester, costs usually fall between $551 and $1,018.
How far in advance should I book New York City-to-Rochester movers?
To make your move from New York City to Rochester as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Rochester?
For the best deals on your move to Rochester, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
