Moving from Syracuse, NY to Rochester, NY
Moving from Syracuse, NY to Rochester, NY covers 88 mi and about 1h 49m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
88 mi · 1h 49m by car · NY
Distance & route
| Route through | NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 490, I 690 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 97.035 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 133.213 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 87.481 | 100.0 |
Rochester and Syracuse are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.742 vs 97.035); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.4% higher in Rochester than Syracuse as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Rochester +3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 102.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 35.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.5°F vs 49.5°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rochester sees 102.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 209,720 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $46,628 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 17.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.27 |
Household income lines up — $45,845 vs $46,628 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 61,270 | $44,600 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 45,540 | $60,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 41,530 | $35,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 39,820 | $34,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 34,560 | $39,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 102.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Rochester vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 102.0 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 39.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 88 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Rochester, NY from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 88 mi and the route typically takes 1h 49m via I 90 and I 490. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $235,784 in Rochester vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 12.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,500 in the Rochester MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 493,220 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Rochester more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 1.4% higher than Syracuse (97.035 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $46,628 in Rochester vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 1.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Rochester, NY.