Key factors that impact the cost of your Reno to Rochester movetoggle

The cost of Reno movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Reno to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,539, while larger moves may reach $13,007 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 Reno.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,724 to $4,314, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Reno to Rochester

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

Reno Rochester
Average rent cost $1,700 $1,250
Average home value $523,662 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $66,486 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $2,122 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,887 $4,921
Unemployment rate 4.6% 9.8%
Sales tax 8.27% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 27% lower than in Reno, 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 61.7% lower than in Reno.
  • Income in Rochester is 3.4% lower than in Reno, so you could earn less 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 7.2% higher than in Reno. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Rochester and Reno.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 113.04% higher than in Reno.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Rochester are 3.26% lower than in Reno.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 10.90% higher than in Reno.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,214.89 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Reno.

How life is different in Reno vs. Rochester

Rochester Reno
Population 211,328 264,165
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 61 40
Bike friendliness score 60 52
Crime Index 37.54 46.26
Safety Index 36.66 53.74
Air Quality Good Good
  • Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 20% less than Reno.
  • Rochester offers better access to buses and trains than Reno, based on public transportation ratings. Rochester has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Reno. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Rochester means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Reno. Rochester is considered more walkable than Reno, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Reno. 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 Reno 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 Reno is rated as 52 out of 100.
  • Rochester has a lower crime rate than Reno based on scores of 37.54 and Reno's 46.26, 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 youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Rochester. With a crime index of 36.66, Rochester ranks lower in overall safety than Reno, whose index is Reno's 53.74. 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.
  • The air quality in Rochester and Reno 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 Reno 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in New York, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • 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 toRochester Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Rochester

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Flour City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Rochester to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Avenue
  • Swillburg
  • Downtown
  • Strong
  • Ellwanger-Barry

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Cobbs Hill
  • Upper Monroe
  • Strong
  • 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 Reno to Rochester?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Reno to Rochester?

With many people choosing to move from Reno 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 Reno to Rochester take?

Moving from Reno, NV to Rochester, NY covers 2,500 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Reno movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources