($1,223) Movers From Detroit, MI to Rochester, NY

What to know before moving from Detroit to Rochester

Moving from Detroit to Rochester means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Detroit than in Rochester, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Detroit compares to Rochester so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices are the same in Rochester and Detroit.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
  Home prices in Rochester are 174.2% higher than in Detroit.
• Income in Rochester is 70.1% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Rochester include Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Bausch + Lomb.
• The cost of living for a single person in Rochester is 9.0% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 26.4% lower than in Detroit.
• The unemployment rate in Rochester is 8.17% higher than in Detroit.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the city’s sales taxes in Rochester are 33.33% higher than in Detroit.
• State income taxes in Rochester are 156.47% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,728.80 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Rochester

• Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 67% less than Detroit.
• Getting around Rochester without a car might be more difficult than in Detroit. Rochester has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Detroit is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Living in Rochester means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Detroit. Rochester is considered more walkable than Detroit, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit is rated as 52 out of 100.
• Rochester has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 37.54 and Detroit's 72.92, 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 Detroit, based on Rochester’s safety index of 36.66 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Rochester and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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