($360+) Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Rochester, NY, runs anywhere from $360 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,229 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 339 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,092, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,229 or more.
  • Moving containers run $933 - $2,803, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $360 - $878.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Rochester, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,628 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Rochester: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,628 - $4,715. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 339 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 339-mile route from Philadelphia to Rochester, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,092 - $3,842 $933 - $1,571 $360 - $594 $798 - $1,384
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,628 - $4,715 $1,193 - $2,205 $365 - $748 $917 - $1,853
4+ bedrooms $2,526 - $6,229 $1,546 - $2,803 $467 - $878 $1,237 - $2,151

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

For the 339-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Rochester, New York, full-service movers cost between $1,092 and $6,229. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $294 - $1,960 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Rochester:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,092 - $3,842
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,628 - $4,715
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,526 - $6,229

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Rochester.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Rochester, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$490 - $4,900
Storage in transitNew place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company$196 - $1,176/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$294 - $2,352
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers$980 - $2,940
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,450 - $9,800
Car shippingSecond vehicle$734 - $1,395
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage$980 - $2,450
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company$784 - $3,430
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers$294 - $1,470
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC$637 - $1,960
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$294 - $14,700+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$294 - $3,430+

What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Rochester?

Look for New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in New York beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Rochester with a local mover averages $1,660 - $4,809. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.

Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.

Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.

Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020

Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Rochester, New York, cost between $933 and $2,803. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Philadelphia runs about $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Rochester:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $933 - $1,571
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,193 - $2,205
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,546 - $2,803

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $686 in Philadelphia, PA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Rochester, NY, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to New York move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $933. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,193 - $2,205, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Rochester?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:

  • Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
  • Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
  • Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 339 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Rochester, New York, running $360 - $878. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Rochester based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $360 - $594
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $365 - $748
  • 4+ bedrooms: $467 - $878

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $360 - $878 does not include fuel ($106 - $121) , lodging ($147/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Philadelphia to Rochester typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $686.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $106 - $121 for the 339-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $59 and $319, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 339-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $294 - $441.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Rochester?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Rochester, New York. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $882 and $1,853.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Rochester:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $798 - $1,384
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $917 - $1,853
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,151

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $74 - $147 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, typically costs $686.

What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Rochester?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Rochester, NY

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Rochester, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Philadelphia, PA Rochester, NY
Cost of living index10489
Average rent$1,695/mo$1,250/mo
Median home value$231,098$120,492
Average income$60,698/yr$46,628/yr
Unemployment rate10.6%9.8%
State income taxUp to 3.07%Up to 10.9%
Walkability score75/10061/100
Safety index33.91/10036.66/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to New York, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 106 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 339-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Philadelphia, PA, to Rochester, NY, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,092 - $6,229 on the 339-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $933 - $2,803 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $360 - $878 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,628 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Wegmans Food Markets and Paychex.

FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Rochester, NY

How do I know a mover is licensed in New York?

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.

What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?

Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Rochester run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY?

Costs on this route range from around $1,092 to $6,229, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,092 and $6,229, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $365 - $748. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.