($1,135) Moving from Chicago to Rochester
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Rochester costs $480 to $5,264 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 602-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Rochester to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Rochester moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Rochester is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Rochester.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Rochester?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,135 - $3,417 | $696 - $1,598 | $435 - $881 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,074 - $5,264 | $1,194 - $2,444 | $480 - $965 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,613 - $7,793 | $1,610 - $3,097 | $587 - $1,276 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Rochester
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Rochester can be as low as $1,135 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,221.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $435 to $1,149. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Rochester?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Rochester will cost between $1,135 to $3,417. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,074 to $5,264, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Rochester will cost from $3,613 to $7,793.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Rochester?
Moving containers from Chicago to Rochester will cost you $696 to $1,598 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,194 to $2,444. A larger home will cost $1,610 to $3,097.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Rochester?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $435 to $881. A larger move will cost $480 to $965, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Rochester costs from $587 to $1,276. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Rochester
Cost of living: Chicago vs Rochester
| Chicago | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $64,214 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $2,274 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $4,921 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.8% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Rochester are 22% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Rochester are 34.5% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Rochester is 2.1% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 127.2% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 37.3% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Rochester is 8.89% higher than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Rochester are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Rochester are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,815.18 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Rochester?
| Rochester | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 37.54 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 36.66 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Rochester's population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- Rochester's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Rochester is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 61 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Rochester is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Rochester's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 37.54 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Rochester is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 36.66 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Rochester is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Rochester
- 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.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
- Swillburg
- South Wedge
- Park Avenue
- Downtown
- Strong
- Ellwanger-Barry
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Cobbs Hill
- Upper Monroe
- Strong
- Swillburg
- Browncroft
- Park Avenue
What to do in Rochester
These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- George Eastman Museum
- Seabreeze Amusement Park
- Rochester Public Market
- Seneca Park Zoo
- Frontier Field
Get your sports on!
Rochester is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Rochester Americans (AHL)
- Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Rochester?
The best time to move from Chicago to Rochester is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Rochester?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Rochester in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Rochester take?
The 602-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Rochester, NY, takes one-six days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Rochester.
