Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Rochester, NY

Cost of living: South Carolina vs Rochester, NY

South Carolina Rochester
Average rent cost $1,065 $1,250
Average home value $295,769 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $63,623 $64,214
Unemployment rate 5% 10%
State income tax 7% 11%
  • Rent is about 17% more expensive in Rochester than in South Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 32% lower in Rochester than in South Carolina.
  • The average income is about the same in Rochester and South Carolina.
  • Rochester has a higher unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 109%.
  • Income taxes are 56% higher in Rochester than in South Carolina.

How life is different in Rochester from South Carolina

Rochester South Carolina
Population 211,328 5,373,555
Political leaning Democratic 59-38 Republican 58-42
Summer high 82ºF 91ºF
Winter low 17ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 33" 48"
Annual snow 77" 1"
Crime index 37.54 28.0
  • The population of Rochester is approximately 96% lower than the population of South Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Rochester voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Rochester is 82ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Rochester reaches the temperature of 17ºF and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 33 inches of annual rainfall in Rochester vs 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
  • In Rochester, it snows about 77 inches annually vs 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
  • Rochester has a higher crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 37.54 vs 28.0.

Things to do in Rochester

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Rochester.

Museums in Rochestertoggle

  • The Strong National Museum of Play
  • George Eastman Museum
  • National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
  • ARTISANworks
  • Rochester Museum & Science Center
  • Memorial Art Gallery
  • Strasenburgh Planetarium
  • Edgerton Model Railroad Room
  • Rochester Auto Museum
  • Military History Society of Rochester
  • Image City Photography Gallery
  • Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo)

Parks in Rochestertoggle

  • Seabreeze Amusement Park
  • Highland Park
  • Erie Canal Trail
  • Cobbs Hill Park
  • Ontario Beach Park
  • Turning Point Park

Sports Teams in Rochestertoggle

  • Rochester Americans (AHL)
  • Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC)

Universities in Rochestertoggle

  • University of Rochester
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • St. John Fisher College
  • Nazareth College of Rochester
  • Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
  • Roberts Wesleyan College
  • Crossroads College

Other considerations when moving to Rochester, NY

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to New York. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from South Carolina to Rochester take?

The time frame for a move from South Carolina to Rochester, NY, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Carolina, the longer the drive time to Rochester will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Rochester from South Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Rochester?

Because of the 834-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Carolina to Rochester as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Rochester, NY?

With the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF, most people move to Rochester from South Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Rochester during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources