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Top-rated local movers that handle Columbus to Rochester moves
When planning a move from Columbus to Rochester, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 29 local movers in Columbus who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Columbus to Rochester.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving , Leaders Moving & Storage Co. , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Rochester?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,054 – $2,988 | $625 – $1,526 | $330 – $606 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,855 – $4,988 | $1,164 – $2,249 | $382 – $787 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,031 – $7,114 | $1,453 – $2,731 | $470 – $916 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Rochester
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Rochester, you can expect to spend between $1,054 and $2,988. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,855 to $4,988 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbus to Rochester typically runs between $3,031 and $7,114.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Rochester
When moving from Columbus to Rochester, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $625 and $1,526. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,164 to $2,249. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,453 up to $2,731. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Rochester
Renting a moving truck in Columbus is usually your cheapest option to get to Rochester. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $330 and $606. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $382 and $787. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $470 and $916.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbus to Rochester
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,474, but larger homes can run up to $6,041.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Columbus.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($330–$818) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Rochester
Many movers find Rochester easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 18% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,274 for one person in Rochester versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $4,921 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 10.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 13% lower in Rochester than in Columbus, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 16% lower in Rochester than in Columbus.
- The average income in Rochester and Columbus is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Rochester, where the cost of living for a single person is 18% less than in Columbus.
- Moving to Rochester could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 32% less than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is 72% higher compared to Columbus, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Rochester than in Columbus. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 211% higher in New York compared to Ohio. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbus with Rochester:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Rochester.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Rochester.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Rochester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbus than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Rochester.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Rochester
| Columbus | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 60 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 77% less than Columbus.
- Rochester’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Rochester is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Rochester is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Rochester’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 37.54 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Rochester is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 36.66 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Rochester move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New York doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Rochester smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Rochester
Now that you’ve chosen The Flour City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Rochester to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Avenue
- Swillburg
- South Wedge
- Park Avenue
- Downtown
- Strong
- Ellwanger-Barry
Best neighborhoods for families
- Cobbs Hill
- Upper Monroe
- Strong
- Swillburg
- Browncroft
- Park Avenue
Things to do in Rochester
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it’s time to see what Rochester is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Rochester offers cultural landmarks like the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and ARTISANworks.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Rochester Americans (AHL)Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Rochester?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbus to Rochester are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbus are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Rochester?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbus to Rochester are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Columbus to Rochester take?
A move of 395 miles from Columbus, OH to Rochester, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Columbus sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Rochester is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Columbus?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Columbus, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 4 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 6 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Columbus offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 16 movers in Columbus have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 11 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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