Best overall value
Local moving companies in Pittsburgh
- Bellhop Moving: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.24 / 5
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving earns strong marks for efficiency, professional and approachable crews, and quick, careful service. Customer feedback highlights that moves often proceed swiftly, with friendly staff showing respect for property and maintaining positive attitudes. Many users note their belongings remained intact thanks to careful handling, and movers frequently finished ahead of schedule. In contrast, several customers faced delays, unexpected scheduling issues, and items damaged during moves. Coordination problems between Bellhopโs office and actual movers led to missed appointments or late teams more often than with traditional moving companies. Compared to others in the industry, Bellhop stands out for affordable, rapid moves when everything goes as planned, but lacks consistent reliability during peak times or for complex moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 2878240
South Hills Movers
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 98045
Years in Business: 94
3132 Industrial Blvd, Bethel Park, PA 15102 USReal experiences tell the story at South Hills Movers: Out of 180 customer inputs, nearly three-quarters gave glowing reviews. Customers praise the professional, polite teams, reliable communication, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Fast service and responsiveness set South Hills Movers apart from many competitors, making moving smoother for homes and businesses alike. Despite standout professionalism, some feedback highlighted damages to property or items, slow or difficult complaint resolution, and problems with on-time arrival. These issues appeared less often, but claims processes and damage handling need attention. Compared to other moving companies, South Hills Movers earns stronger marks for staff demeanor, service quality, and efficient processes, but consistent follow-through on problems would improve the experience even more.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 98045
Local Associations
Don Farr Moving & Storage
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 345157
Years in Business: 43
1200 Lebanon Road Unit 520, West Mifflin, PA 15122 USCustomer feedback on Don Farr Moving & Storage makes one thing clear: performance at the curb doesnโt always match the service on the sales call. Out of 415 reviews, just over half (50.8%) praised their efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite crews. Many highlighted reliable, friendly staff, quick moving processes, and helpful movers who eased the stress of relocation. On the downside, 46.5% of reviewers recounted damage to items, delays, and frustrating complaint processes, especially with broken or lost belongings and claims that left customers dissatisfied. Poor follow-up and slow, incomplete responses dominated the negative feedback. In comparison to other moving companies, Don Farrโs staff impresses with politeness and care during the move, but post-move support and damage resolution fall short. If efficient, capable teams matter most, customers might be satisfied, but those seeking assurance on item safety and resolution for damages should proceed with caution.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 345157
- State license #: 8922932
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Exclusive Services, Inc.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 24
3555 Valley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 USFast, friendly moves lead the wayโcustomer feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stands out for consistent praise of efficient, professional crews who move quickly and carefully while keeping valuables safe. Out of 269 reviews, 90% reported positive experiences. People repeatedly note excellent service, polite staff, good communication, and respectful handling of property. On the downside, some customers raised issues about item damage, higher final costs than estimates, and unsatisfactory packing quality. While negative feedback is far less common, it consistently relates to goods being broken and unexpected charges. Compared to other movers, customer responses show this company outperforms competitors for speed and professionalism but will need to keep addressing careful packing and transparent pricing to stay ahead.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 00121505
Gardner Moving
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 947009
Years in Business: 103
757 Millers Run Rd, McDonald, PA 15057 USMoving experiences shine brightest with Gardner Moving, as 90% of customer feedback describes fast, organized teams that are professional, courteous, and efficient. Many clients appreciate careful handling of their belongings, transparent and affordable rates, and skilled staff who work diligently to make the process less stressful. Customers routinely mention helpful communication, punctuality, and a willingness to accommodate changesโeven in difficult conditions. While the vast majority describe a smooth move, some negative input centers on damaged items, a perceived lack of professionalism from crew members, or communication difficulties when resolving problems. Compared to typical moving companies, Gardner stands out for reliable delivery and trustworthy service, while still facing some rare issues with property care. Out of 145 reviews, an impressive 90.3% are positive, with less than 10% reporting dissatisfaction.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 947009
- State license #: 00108945
Key factors that impact the cost of your Pittsburgh to Rochester move
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Rochester
Moving from Pittsburgh to Rochester comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Rochester is generally more expensive than Pittsburgh , itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Pittsburgh | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Rochester are 17% lower than in Pittsburgh , which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Rochester.
Home prices in Rochester are 9.8% lower than in Pittsburgh . - Income in Rochester is 18.2% higher than in Pittsburgh , so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Rochester include Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Bausch + Lomb.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Rochester, since the cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 6.8% higher than in Pittsburgh . This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 1.8% lower than in Pittsburgh .
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is 38.03% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโs sales taxes in Rochester are 14.29% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- State income taxes in Rochester are 255.05% higher than in Pittsburgh .
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,204.32 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Rochester
| Rochester | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 303,255 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 55 |
| Crime Index | 37.54 | 37.74 |
| Safety Index | 36.66 | 62.26 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 30% less than Pittsburgh .
- Getting around Rochester without a car might be more difficult than in Pittsburgh . Rochester has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Pittsburgh is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Rochester to be about as walkable as Pittsburgh . The two cities have similar walkability scores of 61 and 62 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Rochester is considered more bike-friendly than Pittsburgh in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, while Pittsburgh is rated as 55 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Rochester as Pittsburgh . With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Rochester. With a crime index of 36.66, Rochester ranks lower in overall safety than Pittsburgh , whose index is Pittsburgh 's 62.26. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Rochester and Pittsburgh is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh vs. Rochester move
- Weather: The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in New York, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 toRochester Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Rochester
Now that youโve chosen "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
- Park Avenue
- Downtown
- Strong
Best neighborhoods for families
- Cobbs Hill
- Upper Monroe
- Strong
- Swillburg
- Browncroft
Things to do in Rochester
Now that you've made the move to New York, itโs the perfect time to explore Rochester. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Rochester, such as the The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, ARTISANworks, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Rochester?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Pittsburgh to Rochester are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Pittsburgh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Rochester?
With many people choosing to move from Pittsburgh to Rochester in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Rochester take?
Moving from Pittsburgh , PA to Rochester, NY covers 285 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Pittsburgh movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.
