The best local movers for Milwaukee to Rochester moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Milwaukee that also handles long-distance moves to Rochester. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 11 local movers in Milwaukee who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Milwaukee to Rochester.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hernia Movers Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Brothers Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 689374
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 49
DOT #: 246074
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2301274
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Rochester?
The average hourly rate for movers in Wisconsin is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,119 – $3,668 | $758 – $1,747 | $517 – $952 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,276 – $5,521 | $1,325 – $2,545 | $552 – $1,187 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,113 – $7,962 | $1,687 – $3,306 | $685 – $1,315 |
Cost to hire movers from Milwaukee to Rochester
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Milwaukee to Rochester will cost between $1,119 and $3,668. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Milwaukee to Milwaukee will range from $2,276 to $5,521, and a large move from Milwaukee to Rochester will cost from $4,113 to $7,962.
Cost of moving containers from Milwaukee to Rochester
If you’re moving from Milwaukee to Rochester, expect to pay between $758 and $1,747 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,325 up to $2,545. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,687 and $3,306. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Rochester
Renting a moving truck from Milwaukee to Rochester is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $517 and $952. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $552 and $1,187. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $685 up to $1,315 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Milwaukee to Rochester
The cost of Milwaukee movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,791, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,621.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Milwaukee, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($517–$1,293) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Rochester
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Rochester runs about 12% higher for singles and -1% higher for families than Milwaukee.
Singles spend around $2,274 in Milwaukee versus $2,022 in Milwaukee; families pay $4,921 compared with $4,963.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Milwaukee | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,527 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $2,240 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $64,214 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $2,274 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.8% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 10.9% |
- Budgeting for a move from Milwaukee to Rochester won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Rochester and Milwaukee, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 29% higher in Rochester than in Milwaukee, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Rochester, since the cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 12% higher than in Milwaukee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Rochester and Milwaukee, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- In Rochester, the unemployment rate is approximately 32% higher than in Milwaukee, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 63% in Rochester over Milwaukee, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 42% higher in New York than in Wisconsin, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Milwaukee and Rochester:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $143.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $50.69 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $3.79 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $50.77 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
- Eggs cost more in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
- Bread is more expensive in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
- Gym memberships cost more in Milwaukee than in Rochester.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Rochester
| Milwaukee | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 211,328 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 61 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 60 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 37.54 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 36.66 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester’s population is about 63% less than Milwaukee.
- Rochester’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Milwaukee’s score of 8.
- Rochester and Milwaukee are similarly walkable.
- Both Rochester and Milwaukee have similar bike-friendliness scores (58 vs 60), meaning Rochester is about as safe for cyclists as Milwaukee. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Rochester’s crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 37.54 compared to Milwaukee’s 66.76. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Rochester is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 36.66 vs Milwaukee’s 33.24.
- Air quality in Rochester is Good, and in Milwaukee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Rochester move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: New York doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to Rochester. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Rochester
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Flour City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Rochester.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in New York, it’s time to get out and discover what Rochester has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll 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, and ARTISANworks.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Seabreeze Amusement Park, Highland Park, Erie Canal Trail, and Cobbs Hill Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Rochester Americans (AHL)Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Rochester?
The best time to move from Milwaukee to Rochester is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Rochester?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Milwaukee to Rochester, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Milwaukee to Rochester take?
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Rochester, covers 702 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Milwaukee movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Milwaukee?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Milwaukee advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Milwaukee provide antique moving services. State totals show 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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