Moving from Rochester, NY to Yonkers, NY
The 315 mi from Rochester to Yonkers translate to about 6h 46m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
315 mi · 6h 46m by car · NY
Distance & route
| Route through | NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 86, NY 17, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Syracuse, Stamford, Paterson, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.035 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.213 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.481 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Yonkers is 16.0% higher than Rochester, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Yonkers is 16.0% above Rochester — $235,784 vs $680,218 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rochester +3.0%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 102.0" | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 51.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Rochester (49.5°F) and Yonkers (53.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Yonkers averages 32.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,720 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $46,628 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.3% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 16.0% between Rochester and Yonkers (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.
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: 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.
Frequently asked
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 $235,784 in Rochester — a 188.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Yonkers more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 16.0% higher than Rochester (112.563 vs 97.035, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 $48,500 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 493,220 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Yonkers?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.4°F in Yonkers vs 49.5°F in Rochester (3.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.7 in vs 102.0 in. Annual precipitation: 51.2 in vs 35.1 in.
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 315 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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 $46,628 in Rochester — a 75.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Rochester, NY?
The driving distance is 315 mi and the route typically takes 6h 46m via I 86 and NY 17. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, NY · Yonkers, NY.