Key factors that impact the cost of your San Bernardino to Rochester movetoggle

The cost of San Bernardino movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from San Bernardino to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,495, while larger moves may reach $12,920 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in San Bernardino.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,771 to $4,259, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Bernardino to Rochester

Moving from San Bernardino to Rochester comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Rochester is generally more expensive than San Bernardino, itโ€™s 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:

San Bernardino Rochester
Average rent cost $1,950 $1,250
Average home value $481,419 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $55,372 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $2,054 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,469 $4,921
Unemployment rate 10.6% 9.8%
Sales tax 8.75% 8.0%
State income tax 13.3% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 36% lower than in San Bernardino, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Rochester.
    Home prices in Rochester are 58.3% lower than in San Bernardino.
  • Income in Rochester is 16.0% higher than in San Bernardino, 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 10.7% higher than in San Bernardino. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Rochester, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 10.1% higher than in San Bernardino.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 7.55% lower than in San Bernardino.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Rochester are 8.57% lower than in San Bernardino.
  • One perk of moving to Rochester is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in San Bernardino.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,321.32 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Bernardino.

How life is different in San Bernardino vs. Rochester

Rochester San Bernardino
Population 211,328 222,101
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 61 45
Bike friendliness score 60 44
Crime Index 37.54 73.87
Safety Index 36.66 26.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 5% less than San Bernardino.
  • Getting around Rochester without a car might be more difficult than in San Bernardino. Rochester has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas San Bernardino is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Rochester means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in San Bernardino. Rochester is considered more walkable than San Bernardino, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 45 out of 100 in San Bernardino. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Rochester is considered more bike-friendly than San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino is rated as 44 out of 100.
  • Rochester has a lower crime rate than San Bernardino based on scores of 37.54 and San Bernardino's 73.87, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Rochester than in San Bernardino, based on Rochesterโ€™s safety index of 36.66 versus 26.13 for San Bernardino. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Rochester has better air quality than in San Bernardino. Rochester has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Bernardino. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your San Bernardino 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Rochester. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Rochester

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Flour City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Rochester.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Avenue
  • South Wedge
  • Downtown
  • Strong
  • Ellwanger-Barry

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Cobbs Hill
  • Strong
  • Swillburg
  • Browncroft
  • Park Avenue

Things to do in Rochester

Now that you've made the move to New York, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Rochester. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™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, ARTISANworks, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s 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 San Bernardino to Rochester?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Bernardino to Rochester are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Bernardino are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Bernardino to Rochester?

With many people choosing to move from San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino to Rochester take?

Moving from San Bernardino, CA to Rochester, NY covers 2,558 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some San Bernardino movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources