($1,498) Movers From Wichita, KS to Rochester, NY

What to know before moving from Wichita to Rochester

Moving from Wichita to Rochester comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Rochester is generally more expensive than Wichita, it’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:

• Rent prices in Rochester are 34% higher than in Wichita, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
  Home prices in Rochester are 5.1% higher than in Wichita.
• Income in Rochester is 5.8% higher than in Wichita, 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 7.9% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 15.4% lower than in Wichita.
• The unemployment rate in Rochester is 66.10% higher than in Wichita.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the city’s sales taxes in Rochester are 6.67% higher than in Wichita.
• State income taxes in Rochester are 91.23% higher than in Wichita.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,237.78 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.

How life is different in Wichita vs. Rochester

• Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 47% less than Wichita.
• Rochester offers better access to buses and trains than Wichita, based on public transportation ratings. Rochester has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Wichita. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Rochester means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Wichita. Rochester is considered more walkable than Wichita, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Wichita. A city’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 Wichita 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 Wichita is rated as 44 out of 100.
• Rochester has a lower crime rate than Wichita based on scores of 37.54 and Wichita's 49.19, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Rochester. With a crime index of 36.66, Rochester ranks lower in overall safety than Wichita, whose index is Wichita's 50.81. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Rochester has better air quality than in Wichita. Rochester has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Wichita. 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 Wichita 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Rochester. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Rochester

Ready to relocate to "Flour City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources