($1,581+) Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to Rochester, NY, runs anywhere from $1,596 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,660 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,652 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,849, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,660 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,004 - $7,086, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,596 - $4,255.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Rochester, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,708 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY
There are 3 main ways to move from Seattle to Rochester: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $4,708 - $9,186. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,652-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,652-mile route from Seattle to Rochester, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,849 - $7,095 with full-service movers, $2,004 - $3,776 with a container, $1,596 - $3,064 with a rental truck, or $1,750 - $3,399 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $4,708 - $9,186 full-service, $2,496 - $5,309 by container, $1,594 - $3,611 by rental truck, or $2,079 - $4,290 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $8,429 - $13,660 full-service, $3,475 - $7,086 by container, $2,121 - $4,255 by rental truck, or $2,668 - $5,958 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY
For the 2,652-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Rochester, New York, full-service movers cost between $2,849 and $13,660. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $391 - $2,608 (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 Seattle generally start around $260 plus $141 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,849 - $7,095
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,708 - $9,186
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,429 - $13,660
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 Seattle to Rochester.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington 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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY
Specialty needs vary by market — 92% of Seattle 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 packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $652 - $6,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready92% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $261 - $1,565/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $391 - $3,130 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,304 - $3,912 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,260 - $13,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $977 - $1,856 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Seattle Movers | $1,304 - $3,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,043 - $4,564 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $391 - $1,956 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $848 - $2,608 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $391 - $19,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $391 - $4,564+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle to Rochester?
Movers licensed to operate in New York are typically members of the New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Seattle, WA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Rochester, New York, cost between $2,004 and $7,086. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Seattle typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,004 - $3,776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,496 - $5,309
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,475 - $7,086
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $98 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $196 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 $913 in Seattle, WA, 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 Washington 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 $2,004. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,496 - $5,309, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Seattle to Rochester?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
- All Service Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY
Truck rentals from Seattle, Washington, to Rochester, New York, range from $1,596 - $4,255 for the 2,652-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,100 - $1,258
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Seattle to Rochester based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,596 - $3,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,611
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,121 - $4,255
Pro tip: A rental truck from Seattle to Rochester looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,596 - $4,255. But once you factor in fuel ($1,100 - $1,258) , overnight lodging ($196/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Seattle, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $913.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,100 - $1,258 for the 2,652-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 $78 and $424, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $196 per night for hotel stops on the 2,652-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $391 - $587.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle to Rochester?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Seattle, Washington, 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 $1,174 and $4,290.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Rochester:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,750 - $3,399
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,079 - $4,290
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,668 - $5,958
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $98 and $196.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $913.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle to Rochester?
- 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.
- 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Rochester fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Seattle, WA 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 89 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $120,492 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $46,628/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 9.8% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 10.9% |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 61/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 36.66/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Seattle, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Washington to New York, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 95 movers in Washington, so you have real options to compare for this 2,652-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Seattle, WA, 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 $2,849 - $13,660 on the 2,652-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,004 - $7,086 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,596 - $4,255 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,708 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 Seattle, WA, to Rochester, NY
What are the best neighborhoods in Rochester?
For families, Cobbs Hill, Upper Monroe, and Strong are worth a look in Rochester. If you're moving solo or without kids, East Avenue, Swillburg, and South Wedge tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Seattle, WA 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 $1,594 - $3,611. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Rochester a safe place to live?
Rochester has a safety index of 36.66 out of 100 and a crime index of 37.54, compared to 49.23 and 58.88 in Seattle. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Seattle, WA to Rochester, NY?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
