Best Chicago to Rochester Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Rochester Movers Cost?

Moving 603 miles from Chicago, IL to Rochester, NY will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Rochester that already have a booked job heading from Rochester to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Rochester from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Rochester moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Rochester moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Rochester movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Rochester move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Rochester movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Rochester, NY long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Rochester moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 41 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Rochester areas.

From these 41 companies, we analyzed a total of 24,886 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 41 companies and 217 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~24,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 18,816 Chicago to Rochester moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Interior Moving Services, Inc.).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Rochester moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.55/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 19,329 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.16/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 7,202 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.64/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 4,232 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.52/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 7,008 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.43/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 3,739 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 10,228 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.09/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 9,534 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.29/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 18,180 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.47/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 10,602 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.11/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 2,326 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.27/10 avg (Chicago & Rochester combined) from 9,654 reviews

From Chicago to Rochester: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Park Avenue District in Rochester are both known for their affluent boutique shops & green spaces
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts both share an artsy vibe & galleries
• If you're moving from Lakeview, check out Charlotte in the Rochester area for lakefront parks & recreational trails
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's up-and-coming scene & brewpubs? You're sure to love South Wedge
• Move from River North to East End and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: vibrant nightlife & dining
• Gold Coast & Brighton are both known for their upscale residential & historic homes
• Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood & Rochester's Maplewood neighborhood both have university proximity & tree-lined streets
• If you're moving from Bucktown, look into Neighborhood of the Arts for creative spaces & indie shops
• Do you cherish living in Pilsen's cultural heritage & local eateries? Move into 19th Ward for something similar
• The similar vibes of West Loop & East End are both known for trendy dining & an industrial-chic vibe

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Rochester

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher crime rate
• Expensive cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Extreme winters

ProsRochester, NY

• Lower crime rate
• More affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Milder winters

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Rochester, NY

• Smaller cultural scene
• Limited public transit
• Fewer dining options
• No lakefront amenities

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Extensive public transit
• Diverse dining options
• Lakefront amenities

Pros of moving from Chicago to Rochester

• Say goodbye to higher crime rate and hello to lower crime rate
• Look forward to moving away from expensive cost of living and moving to Rochester with more affordable housing
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Chicago for less traffic in Rochester
• Get ready for milder winters in Rochester

Cons of moving from Chicago to Rochester

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant cultural scene in Chicago to live with a smaller cultural scene in Rochester
• You'll lose out on the pro of extensive public transit and have to settle for the con of limited public transit
• Time to bid farewell to diverse dining options and get used to fewer dining options in Rochester
• Swap Lakefront amenities for no lakefront amenities

Chicago vs. Rochester: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Rochester, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Garbage Plate of Rochester. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Rochester residents know they have tasty White Hots and Zweigle's Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tofu Scramble of Rochester. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Rochester, don't wait too long before making your way to Rochester's acclaimed eateries like Nick Tahou Hots, Jim's SteakOut, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

When comparing lifestyles, Rochester shows an equal emphasis on fitness and health consciousness compared to Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Rochester compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Rochester.

Discover Rochester Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Rochester is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Girl & The Goat, and Portillo's in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Roux, The Owl House, and Swan Dive in Rochester. See our Rochester restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Giordano's, head to Pizzeria Favo on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Rochester

• The Modern and Victorian architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Rochester.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transit and lake views, Rochester real estate listings often highlight features like quiet neighborhoods and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Rochester is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike as Rochester is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Rochester has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Rochester housing costs are 27% less expensive than in Chicago, with a median home price of $210,711 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Not enough data to generate a comparison.
• Rent in Rochester is 31.94% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Rochester, NY

1. Park Avenue : You'll find this neighborhood particularly pet-friendly due to its proximity to Cobbs Hill Park, offering ample green space and trails for dogs to enjoy.
2. South Wedge : This vibrant area boasts several pet-friendly cafes and shops, making it easy for you to bring your furry friend along for a day out.
3. Highland Park : Known for the beautiful Highland Botanical Park, this neighborhood provides plenty of open spaces and pet-friendly trails for you and your pet to explore.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Rochester

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Rochester. Rochester gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Rochester has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and lake effect snow in Rochester.
• The average summer high temperature in Rochester is 3 degrees colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Rochester. Rochester receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Rochester

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rochester tend to earn about 37% less than those in Chicago
• The COLI in Rochester is 14% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in NY is between 6.33 and 8.82 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Rochester is lower compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is higher in Rochester compared to high poverty in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Chicago and lower in Rochester

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Rochester

• Chicago tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• Rochester, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Rochester's religious environment can be described as a variety, notable for its Protestant and Catholic communities
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant Catholic presence

Chicago vs. Rochester Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 38% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Rochester compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 6,760 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Rochester to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Rochester.