Best Kansas City to Rochester Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Kansas City to Rochester and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,110 mile move from Missouri to New York go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Kansas City to Rochester moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Zippboxx), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Kansas City compared to Rochester. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Kansas City to Rochester Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Zippboxx9.379.16Authorized For Property, HHG
2God's Movers, LLC9.079.29Authorized For Property, HHG
3Golden Rule Relocation9.028.75Authorized For HHG
4Courtesy Movers LLC8.999.27Authorized For Property, HHG
5Interior Moving Services, Inc.8.978.99Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Kansas City to Rochester?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,110 miles from Kansas City, MO to Rochester, NY will cost on average $2,725 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Kansas City to Rochester move is roughly $6,551. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,832300 ft³$6.11
1 Bedroom$2,725450 ft³$6.06
2 Bedrooms$4,504750 ft³$6.01
3 Bedrooms$6,5511100 ft³$5.96
4 Bedrooms$9,4491600 ft³$5.91
5+ Bedrooms$10,5411800 ft³$5.86
*Please note: These Missouri to New York moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Missouri & New York. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed MO to NY mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Rochester to Kansas City guide.

Compare the 5 Best Kansas City to Rochester Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Zippboxx Logo

Zippboxx

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,003+ data points

923 Motor Pkwy

Hauppauge, NY, 11788

About Zippboxx

Zippboxx is a top-rated moving and storage company based in Hauppauge, New York, providing residential and commercial moving services both locally...

Services

  • Local movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3077817 / 1043860

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2024)
View Full Review
1
God's Movers, LLC Logo

God's Movers, LLC

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 484+ data points

11815 E 60 St

Kansas City, MO, 64133

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years....

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2417601 / 946280

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Golden Rule Relocation Logo

Golden Rule Relocation

Superb9.02/10
based on 278+ data points

1600 Swift St # 200

North Kansas City, MO, 64116

About Golden Rule Relocation

Golden Rule Relocation is a premier residential and commercial moving and storage company based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3420954 / 1105839

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Courtesy Movers LLC Logo

Courtesy Movers LLC

Superb8.99/10
based on 946+ data points

9353 NE 79th St

Kansas City, MO, 64158

About Courtesy Movers LLC

Courtesy Movers LLC is a client-oriented, Kansas City-based company that provides quality moving services at an affordable price. Its priority is...

Services

  • Cheap Moving Services
  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3241776 / 1018373

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Interior Moving Services, Inc. Logo

Interior Moving Services, Inc.

Superb
claimed company icon
8.97/10
based on 970+ data points

157 La Grange Ave

Rochester, NY, 14613

About Interior Moving Services, Inc.

Located in Rochester, New York, Interior Moving Services has close to three decades of moving expertise, serving both residential and commercial...

Services

  • Local residential moving
  • Local commercial moving
  • Long-distance residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1498819 / 600823

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Kansas City vs. Rochester Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Kansas City, MO & Rochester, NY . This guide will help you find a neighborhood in Rochester that shares the charm and characteristics of your favorite spot in Kansas City.

Kansas CityRochesterHow They're Similar
BrooksidePark AvenueVibrant, walkable streets
WestportSOUTH WEDGEEclectic shops, nightlife
Plaza AreaEAST AVENUEUpscale shopping, dining
WaldoNORTH WINTONCozy, community feel
Country Club DistrictCORN HILLHistoric homes, leafy streets
River MarketNEIGHBORHOOD OF THE ARTSArtistic community
Crossroads Arts DistrictNOTA (Neighborhood of the Arts)Cultural hub
Armour HillsMAPLEWOODFamily-friendly, parks
Hyde ParkHIGHLAND PARKHistoric, diverse architecture
Beacon HillSWILLBURGTight-knit, residential charm

In comparing neighborhoods between Kansas City, MO, and Rochester, NY, let's dive deeper into the vibrancy of South Wedge and its similarities to Westport. South Wedge is known for its eclectic array of shops, restaurants, and bars, akin to Westport's lively atmosphere. Establishments like the Playhouse/Swillburger, a popular burger joint and arcade, mirror the unique dining and entertainment options found in Westport. Parks like Highland Park in Rochester offer a diverse range of activities and natural beauty comparable to Kansas City's Loose Park. Both neighborhoods are celebrated for their sense of community and bustling local scenes, making them ideal for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas City to Rochester

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting but exciting journey. To help you weigh your decision, we've created charts to compare the cons of living in Kansas City, MO, with the pros of moving to Rochester, NY , and vice versa. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on the good and bad attributes of this relocation, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Higher crime rates
  • Hot summers
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Spread-out city
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Lower crime rates
  • Cooler summers
  • More cultural venues
  • Compact city layout
Rochester, NY iconRochester, NY
  • Smaller music scene
  • Narrower job market
  • Less BBQ variety
  • Colder winters
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Larger job market
  • Better BBQ
  • Warmer winters

The move from Kansas City, MO, to Rochester, NY, presents an exciting opportunity to experience a city rich in cultural and historical venues like the George Eastman Museum and the Memorial Art Gallery, highlighting Rochester’s affluent cultural scene. Though you might miss Kansas City's vibrant music scene and renowned BBQ, places like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester offer a taste of home with a local twist. Rochester is also more compact, making it easier to explore gems like Rochester Public Market or the picturesque Charlotte Beach without the long drives you might be used to. This move encapsulates a transition to cooler summers and potentially deepening winter experiences, trading Kansas City's spread-out warmth for Rochester's compact coziness and snow-filled winters.

Kansas City vs. Rochester Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Kansas City & Rochester, highlighting the importance of food in understanding the local culture and lifestyle of your new home. This overview will help you navigate the culinary scene of these two vibrant cities.

Kansas City
Rochester
Most iconic local food item
Barbecue
Garbage Plate
Most popular meat dish
Smoked Brisket
White Hots
Most popular street food item
Burnt Ends
Zweigle's Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Jackfruit BBQ
Seitan Garbage Plate
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Q39
  • Jack Stack Barbecue
  • Nick Tahou Hots
  • Genesee Brew House
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Kansas City, the barbecue scene is not just a culinary tradition; it's a way of life, with restaurants like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Q39 leading the charge. The city's affection for smoked meats, especially brisket and burnt ends, gives it a unique spot in America's culinary map. On the other hand, Rochester's claim to fame is the Garbage Plate from Nick Tahou Hots, a dish that encapsulates the city's bold, no-nonsense approach to comfort food. Rochester also boasts a burgeoning food truck scene and an array of restaurants like Genesee Brew House that highlight local ingredients and flavors, making it an exciting culinary destination in its own right.

Kansas City vs. Rochester Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city is an adventure that encompasses many aspects, including finding those special places that make an area feel like home. For many, discovering local eateries that resonate with personal taste is a crucial part of this journey. This restaurant comparison charts will help bridge the culinary gap between Kansas City, MO, and Rochester, NY, enabling you to find new favorite spots that echo the familiar flavors of your current hometown.

Kansas CityRochesterWhat You'll Love
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-QueDinosaur Bar-B-QueBoth offer a wide range of smoked meats and classic sides, capturing the soul of American barbecue.
BluestemChar Steak & LoungeBoth provide an upscale dining experience with innovative dishes and fine dining service.
Garozzo's RistoranteRistorante LucanoAuthentic Italian cuisine that brings the essence and flavors of Italy to their local community.
Q39Sticky Lips BBQQ39’s unique approach to barbecue finds a counterpart in Sticky Lips, offering creative BBQ dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
Town TopicMark's Texas HotsBoth are beloved for their classic diner fare, satisfying late-night cravings with burgers and shakes.
Port FondaJohn's Tex-Mex EateryOffering a similar laid-back vibe with a focus on quality, flavorful Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
The RiegerThe RevelryThe Rieger’s focus on finely crafted American cuisine with a twist is mirrored in The Revelry’s innovative approach to American dining.
GrunauerSwan MarketWhile offering German cuisine, both establishments focus on authentic recipes, hearty meals, and a cozy atmosphere.
Corvino Supper Club & Tasting RoomTournedos SteakhouseBoth are known for their intimate ambiance and exquisite menus, making them perfect for special occasions.
Happy Gillis Café & HangoutHighland Park DinerBoth have a unique charm, serving up comfort food classics that have earned a loyal following.

When you're making the transition from Kansas City to Rochester, you'll be pleased to find places that echo the heart and soul of your favorite spots back home. For example, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que fans will discover a kindred spirit in Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Both excel in delivering mouth-watering smoked meats that are sure to satisfy any barbecue aficionado. Similarly, if you're missing the cozy yet refined atmosphere of The Rieger, The Revelry awaits with open arms, offering an inventive menu that's both comforting and sophisticated. These Rochester eateries not only promise to deliver culinary delights but also a taste of the familiar, making your new city feel like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Kansas City vs. Rochester Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most crucial components when planning a move. Understanding how Kansas City and Rochester differ in terms of housing costs, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle can significantly impact your decision-making process.

Kansas City
Rochester
Typical Architecture Style
Prairie and Craftsman
Colonial and Cape Cod
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, garage parking
Historic details, proximity to parks

When delving deeper into the housing characteristics of both cities, it's apparent that Kansas City favors more modern, spacious living arrangements with a focus on Prairie and Craftsman styles, which often comes with spacious backyards and garage parking. On the other hand, Rochester leans towards Colonial and Cape Cod architectural styles, featuring homes with historic details and often mentions proximity to parks in real estate listings. This reflects Rochester’s emphasis on community and outdoor spaces. Both cities offer distinct lifestyles, with Kansas City scoring slightly higher in terms of an urban lifestyle, attributed perhaps to its larger metropolitan feel. However, Rochester edges out on walkability, making it slightly more convenient for pedestrians.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

Kansas City vs. Rochester Weather Considerations

Relocating can dramatically change your lifestyle, especially when it involves moving to a different climate. Comparing the weather in Kansas City, MO, and Rochester, NY , is crucial to prepare for the environmental adjustments you'll face. Understanding these variances will help ease your transition.

Kansas City
Rochester
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Severe Storms
Lake Effect Snow, Windstorms
Air Quality
Moderate
Moderate to Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/68
82/62
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

39/20
32/18


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

42
34
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

18
99


When moving from Kansas City to Rochester, you'll notice a significant difference in weather patterns, notably in terms of sunshine and snowfall. Rochester experiences far fewer sunny days and significantly more snowfall due to lake effect snow from Lake Ontario, which might require adjustments to your winter lifestyle. Additionally, the humidity levels are somewhat similar, though Kansas City summers are warmer. Given Rochester's higher average annual snowfall, prepare for longer and more intense winters. These adjustments, while challenging at first, can also bring new experiences, such as winter sports and enjoying the cozy, snow-covered landscapes of Rochester.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Kansas City to Rochester

When deciding to relocate, wrapping your head around the financial differences between Kansas City, MO, and Rochester, NY, is crucial. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and local economies compare will help you adjust seamlessly to your new home.

Kansas City
Rochester
Avg. Household Income
$63,396
$41,980
Cost of Living Index
97.8
100
State Income Tax
5.9
6.33 to 8.82
Avg. Property Tax
1.2
2.8
Avg. Sales Tax
8.6
8.0
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education
Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
Lower
Poverty
Moderate
Higher
Homelessness
Concerning
Significant

In both Kansas City and Rochester, the healthcare and manufacturing sectors lead as primary employers, signaling robust employment opportunities in these fields. However, the average household income in Kansas City stands noticeably higher compared to Rochester, highlighting an economic disparity between the two locales. Additionally, Rochester's residents face a heftier property tax burden, a vital factor to consider for potential homeowners. Conversely, Kansas City's overall cost of living is higher, although this is somewhat mitigated by its residents' higher average income. Crucially, understanding these economic landscapes will enable you to make informed decisions regarding employment, housing, and budgeting in your new city.

Kansas City vs. Rochester Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for your move from Kansas City, MO to Rochester, NY, understanding the communities you're transitioning between can greatly ease the process. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Kansas City & Rochester, highlighting what might feel familiar or new to you in these aspects.

Kansas City
Rochester
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Moderate mix, with an emphasis on urban issues
Progressive, with initiatives on social reform
Religion
Mix of Protestant and Catholic, with other faiths
Primarily Protestant, but religiously diverse

Moving from Kansas City to Rochester, you'll find that both cities share a Democratic political leaning, though Rochester is known for its particularly strong Democratic values and political activism. Local politics in Rochester lean towards progressive, with a significant focus on social reforms, which might be a more pronounced stance compared to the more moderate, urban-issue-focused politics of Kansas City. Religious diversity is present in both cities, with a range of faiths and beliefs represented, though Kansas City has a slightly more balanced mix between Protestant and Catholic communities. This alignment and difference in the political and religious landscape between your current and future home could influence your social interactions and community involvement.

Kansas City vs. Rochester Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is vital when relocating. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Kansas City & Rochester, helping you gauge what your daily journey might look like after the move.

Kansas City
Rochester
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
19
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
3 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Somewhat Possible

In Kansas City, while the average commute time is relatively short at 22 minutes, the city scores a moderate 5 out of 10 regarding the availability of public transit, indicating that having a car might be necessary for ease of movement. On the other hand, Rochester offers a slightly better public transit system, scoring a 6 out of 10, with an even shorter average commute time of 19 minutes. This suggests that relying on public transportation in Rochester could be more feasible than in Kansas City. However, both cities present their unique challenges and benefits when it comes to daily commuting, and potential movers should consider the degree to which they're willing or able to maintain a vehicle, or their comfort relying on public transport.

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