Rochester, NY to Memphis, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Memphis typically costs $2,400–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 983 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Rochester to Memphis
Moving from Rochester, NY to Memphis, TN typically costs $2,400–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 983-mile move from Rochester to Memphis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,463 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $933 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,493 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Rochester to Memphis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,500.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Rochester, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($700–$2,100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Memphis, TN to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to Memphis movers by type
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Best professional movers from Rochester to Memphis
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Rochester to Memphis, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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→TN movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 148 New York moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Memphis
Many movers find Memphis easier on the wallet than Rochester - roughly 19% less for singles and 11% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,842 for one person in Memphis versus $2,274 in Rochester. For a family of four, it's $4,402 compared with $4,921.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Rochester | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 0.0% |
- Budgeting for a move from Rochester to Memphis won't necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 28% less in Memphis than in Rochester.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 25% lower in Memphis compared to Rochester.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Memphis. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 19% lower than in Rochester.
- Choosing to move to Memphis can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 11% less than in Rochester.
- Memphis enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 18% lower compared to Rochester, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 22% in Memphis over Rochester, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Rochester and Memphis:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Rochester than in Memphis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Rochester than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in Rochester than in Memphis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Rochester than in Memphis.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Memphis
| Rochester | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 41 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 200% greater than Rochester.
- Memphis's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Rochester's score of 6.
- Memphis is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 out of 100.
- Memphis has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Rochester, which has a score of 60.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 77.49 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Rochester with a score of 22.51 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to Memphis move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to Memphis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you've decided to make the move to Bluff City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
Once you're settled into your new home in Tennessee, it's time to get out and discover what Memphis has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Memphis, such as the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Memphis?
The best time to move from Rochester to Memphis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Rochester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Memphis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Rochester to Memphis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Rochester to Memphis take?
Moving from Rochester, NY to Memphis, TN covers 983 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Rochester movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Memphis.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Rochester?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 7 movers in Rochester advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Rochester provide antique moving services. State totals show 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.