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

The cost of Dallas movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Dallas to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,401, while larger moves may reach $10,215 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 Dallas.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,069 to $2,509, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Dallas to Rochester

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

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

Dallas Rochester
Average rent cost $1,774 $1,250
Average home value $303,900 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $68,291 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $2,828 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,793 $4,921
Unemployment rate 3.6% 9.8%
Sales tax 8.25% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 30% lower than in Dallas, 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 34.0% lower than in Dallas.
  • Income in Rochester is 6.0% lower than in Dallas, so you could earn less 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 19.6% lower than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Rochester is 36.9% lower than in Dallas.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 172.22% higher than in Dallas.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Rochester are 3.03% lower than in Dallas.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 10.90% higher than in Dallas.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,412.31 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.

How life is different in Dallas vs. Rochester

Rochester Dallas
Population 211,328 1,304,379
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 61 46
Bike friendliness score 60 49
Crime Index 37.54 51.4
Safety Index 36.66 48.6
Air Quality Good Good
  • Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 84% less than Dallas.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Rochester will be about the same as it currently is in Dallas. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Living in Rochester means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Dallas. Rochester is considered more walkable than Dallas, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Dallas. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas is rated as 49 out of 100.
  • Rochester has a lower crime rate than Dallas based on scores of 37.54 and Dallas's 51.4, 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 Dallas, whose index is Dallas's 48.6. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While New York doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Rochester without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Rochester

With your sights set on "Flour City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Rochester.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Upper Monroe
  • Strong
  • Swillburg
  • Browncroft
  • Park Avenue

Things to do in Rochester

After settling into your new New York home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Rochester has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Rochester is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Rochester Americans (AHL) and Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks (ECC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Dallas to Rochester?

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

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

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

Moving from Dallas, TX to Rochester, NY covers 1,434 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Dallas movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources