Key factors that impact the cost of your San Antonio to Rochester movetoggle

The cost of San Antonio movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from San Antonio to Rochester (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,535, while larger moves may reach $11,343 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 San Antonio.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,213 to $3,007, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Antonio to Rochester

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

San Antonio Rochester
Average rent cost $1,496 $1,250
Average home value $249,398 $200,576
Average income (per capita) $62,451 $64,214
Cost of living (single person) $2,194 $2,274
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,931 $4,921
Unemployment rate 3.8% 9.8%
Sales tax 8.25% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Rochester are 16% lower than in San Antonio, 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 19.6% lower than in San Antonio.
  • Income in Rochester is 2.8% higher than in San Antonio, 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 3.6% higher than in San Antonio. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Rochester and San Antonio.
  • The unemployment rate in Rochester is 157.89% higher than in San Antonio.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Rochester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Rochester are 3.03% lower than in San Antonio.
  • State income taxes in Rochester are 10.90% higher than in San Antonio.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,109.39 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Antonio.

How life is different in San Antonio vs. Rochester

Rochester San Antonio
Population 211,328 1,434,625
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 61 37
Bike friendliness score 60 45
Crime Index 37.54 48.06
Safety Index 36.66 51.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Rochester might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 85% less than San Antonio.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Rochester will be about the same as it currently is in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio. Rochester is considered more walkable than San Antonio, with a score of 61 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio is rated as 45 out of 100.
  • Rochester has a lower crime rate than San Antonio based on scores of 37.54 and San Antonio's 48.06, 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 San Antonio, whose index is San Antonio's 51.94. 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 San Antonio. Rochester has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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
  • South Wedge
  • Park Avenue
  • Downtown
  • Ellwanger-Barry

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Cobbs Hill
  • Upper Monroe
  • Strong
  • Swillburg
  • 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 San Antonio to Rochester?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Antonio to Rochester?

With many people choosing to move from San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Rochester take?

Moving from San Antonio, TX to Rochester, NY covers 1,708 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some San Antonio movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Rochester.

Helpful moving resources