Moving from Yonkers, NY to Rochester, MN
A move from Yonkers, NY to Rochester, MN covers 1152 mi and around 21h 30m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1152 mi · 21h 30m by car · NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, New York, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 90.821, putting Rochester roughly 19.3% below Yonkers on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Rochester: 19.3% below Yonkers on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Yonkers | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 45°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 34.7" |
Rochester is 8.6°F cooler on the annual average (53.4°F vs 44.8°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 39 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Rochester is 19.3% above Yonkers ($81,816 → $87,767, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Rochester averages 53.1 in annually vs 32.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Yonkers and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 44.8°F in Rochester vs 53.4°F in Yonkers (8.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 53.1 in vs 32.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.7 in vs 51.2 in.
How far is Rochester, MN from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 1152 mi and the route typically takes 21h 30m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $680,218 in Yonkers — a 50.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $81,816 in Yonkers — a 7.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Rochester more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 19.3% lower than Yonkers (90.821 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers 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 1152 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY · Rochester, MN.