Moving from Rochester to New York City, NY
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Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to New York City costs between $386 to $6,634 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 333-mile route within New York take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Rochester to New York City
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Rochester to New York City are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Rochester to driving and unloading in New York City, 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 333 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,698 - $5,218 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,409 - $2,505 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $427 - $884 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sheridan Brothers Moving | $216/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 Rochester to New York City?
It costs between $386 to $6,634 to move from Rochester to New York City. The prices below break down your 333-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,118 - $6,634
- Moving containers: $1,039 - $3,119
- Rental trucks: $386 - $1,059
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,118 - $3,933 | $1,039 - $1,858 | $386 - $697 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,698 - $5,218 | $1,409 - $2,505 | $427 - $884 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,744 - $6,634 | $1,846 - $3,119 | $504 - $1,059 |
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 | $267 - $2,225+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $216/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $178 - $712 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $178 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Rochester to New York City
At 333 miles, your Rochester to New York City 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 Rochester to New York City. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 333 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Sheridan Brothers Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Rochester to New York City. They've been in business since 2004 (22 years of experience) and 70.8% of their 291 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New York City to Rochester guide.
Considerations when moving from Rochester to New York City
Cost of living: Rochester vs. New York City
When weighing the cost of living in Rochester versus New York City, 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 New York City really compares to Rochester.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Rochester | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $4,340 |
| Average home cost | $120,492 | $732,100 |
| Average income (per capita) | $46,628 | $127,894 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,274 | $5,683 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,921 | $15,081 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 11.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent prices in New York City are 247% higher than in Rochester. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in New York City are 508% higher than in Rochester. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 174% higher than in Rochester. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 150% higher in New York City compared to Rochester, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in New York City is 206% higher than in Rochester. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make New York City less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in New York City is 14% higher than in Rochester. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in New York City and Rochester, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Rochester, you’d need about $7,500 in New York City.
How life is different in Rochester vs. New York City
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Rochester and New York City. 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.
| Rochester | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 8,258,035 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-38 | Democratic 76-23 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 26ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 77" | 25" |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 50.83 |
New York City sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- New York City is about 3808% larger than Rochester. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Rochester and New York City leaned Democratic.
- In New York City and Rochester, summer highs run about the same — 84°F vs. 82°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- During the coldest months, Rochester is colder than New York City, with temperatures falling to 17°F compared to New York City’s 26°F.
- New York City receives more annual rainfall than Rochester, with about 47 inches per year compared to Rochester’s 33 inches.
- Typically, Rochester gets more snow than New York City, averaging 77 per year versus New York City’s 25.
- New York City reports a higher crime index than Rochester, with scores of 50.83 and 37.54, respectively.
Things to do in New York City
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? New York City has it all.
Museums in New York City
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Met Cloisters
- New York Public Library
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Parks in New York City
- Central Park
- The High Line
- Bryant Park
- Washington Square Park
- Hudson River Park
Sports teams in New York City
- Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
- Long Island Nets (NBA G League)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Giants (NFL)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York City
- New York University
- Nyack College
- Pace University
- Rockefeller University
- Wagner College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Rochester to New York City?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Rochester to New York City, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,049 and $3,301. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,698 up to $5,218. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,744 to $6,634 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Rochester to New York City?
Moving containers from Rochester to New York City will cost you $726 to $1,841 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,409 to $2,505. A larger home will cost $1,846 to $3,119.
How much is a moving truck from Rochester to New York City?
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 $406 to $697. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $427 and $884. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Rochester to New York City, costs usually fall between $504 and $1,059.
How far in advance should I book Rochester-to-New York City movers?
To make your move from Rochester to New York City 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 New York City?
For the best deals on your move to New York City, 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.
