Moving from Rochester, MN to Yonkers, NY
A move from Rochester, MN to Yonkers, NY 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
| Rochester | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 23.9% higher overall in Yonkers vs Rochester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Yonkers: 23.9% above Rochester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 51.2" |
Yonkers runs 8.6°F warmer on the annual average (44.8°F vs 53.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.7 in of snowfall annually at Yonkers.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Yonkers is 23.9% below Rochester ($87,767 → $81,816, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- Winter gear first: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Yonkers?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.4°F in Yonkers vs 44.8°F in Rochester (8.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.7 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 51.2 in vs 34.7 in.
Is Yonkers more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 23.9% higher than Rochester (112.563 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Rochester, MN?
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 does household income compare in Rochester vs Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 6.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 100.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Yonkers compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Yonkers?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Yonkers, NY.