Moving from New York City to Buffalo, NY
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Quick answer: Moving from New York City to Buffalo costs between $393 to $7,057 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 373-mile route within New York take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from New York City to Buffalo
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from New York City to Buffalo are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in New York City to driving and unloading in Buffalo, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 373 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,897 - $5,059 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,291 - $2,698 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $445 - $887 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Dumbo Moving and Storage | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from New York City to Buffalo?
It costs between $393 to $7,057 to move from New York City to Buffalo. The prices below break down your 373-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,135 - $7,057
- Moving containers: $1,084 - $3,402
- Rental trucks: $393 - $1,018
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,135 - $4,033 | $1,084 - $1,922 | $393 - $770 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,897 - $5,059 | $1,291 - $2,698 | $445 - $887 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,807 - $7,057 | $1,835 - $3,402 | $540 - $1,018 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $516 - $4,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $190/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $344 - $1,376 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $86 - $344 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from New York City to Buffalo
At 373 miles, your New York City to Buffalo move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from New York City to Buffalo. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 373 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Zip to Zip Moving Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from New York City to Buffalo. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 97.0% of their 369 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Buffalo to New York City guide.
Considerations when moving from New York City to Buffalo
Cost of living: New York City vs. Buffalo
The cost of living in New York City vs. Buffalo isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Buffalo compares to what you’re used to in New York City.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| New York City | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,340 | $1,200 |
| Average home cost | $732,100 | $153,273 |
| Average income (per capita) | $127,894 | $48,050 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,683 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $15,081 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 9.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
- Rent in Buffalo is about 72% cheaper than in New York City. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Buffalo are 79% lower than in New York City. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Buffalo is 62% lower than in New York City, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 54% lower than in New York City, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 62% lower in Buffalo than in New York City. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 15% lower than in New York City. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Buffalo are 9% higher than in New York City, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in New York City, you’ll need about $1,380 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Buffalo.
How life is different in New York City vs. Buffalo
Before you move, check out how life in Buffalo measures up to New York City. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| New York City | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 278,349 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Democratic 57-42 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 39" |
| Annual snow | 25" | 85" |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 8.0 |
Buffalo sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Buffalo has roughly 97% fewer people than New York City. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both New York City and Buffalo supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Buffalo and New York City have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, Buffalo is colder than New York City, reaching a low of 17°F while New York City only dips to 26°F.
- Expect wetter weather in New York City, where it averages 47 inches of rain annually—more than the 39 inches you’ll see each year in Buffalo.
- Buffalo gets more snow annually than New York City, with about 85 inches compared to New York City’s 25 inches.
- Buffalo posts a lower crime rate than New York City, with a crime index of 8.0 compared to New York City’s 50.83.
Things to do in Buffalo
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Buffalo has plenty to offer:
Museums in Buffalo
- Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
- Pierce-Arrow Museum
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery
- Buffalo Museum of Science
- Burchfield Penney Art Center
Parks in Buffalo
- Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
- The Buffalo Zoo
- Delaware Park
- Erie Basin Marina
- Tifft Nature Preserve
Sports teams in Buffalo
- Buffalo Bandits
- Buffalo Beauts
- Buffalo Bills (AAFC)
- Buffalo Bisons (AHL)
- Buffalo Bisons (minor league)
Universities in Buffalo
- Bryant and Stratton College Buffalo
- Erie Community College
- Canisius College
- Medaille College
- SUNY College at Buffalo
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from New York City to Buffalo?
Shipping furniture from New York City to Buffalo with a moving company typically costs between $1,068 and $3,161. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,897 to $5,059. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,807 and $7,057 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from New York City to Buffalo?
If you’re planning a move from New York City to Buffalo and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $788 and $1,723. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,291 to $2,698. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,835 to $3,402.
How much is a moving truck from New York City to Buffalo?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $417 and $747. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $445 and $887. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from New York City to Buffalo, truck rentals usually range from $540 up to $1,018.
How far in advance should I book New York City-to-Buffalo movers?
To make your move from New York City to Buffalo as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Buffalo?
The cheapest time of year to move to Buffalo is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
