Moving from Rochester to Buffalo, NY
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Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Buffalo costs between $83 to $3,619 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 77-mile route within New York take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Rochester to Buffalo
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Rochester to Buffalo are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Rochester 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 77 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,019 - $3,009 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $828 - $1,667 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $95 - $159 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sheridan Brothers Moving | $216/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 Rochester to Buffalo?
It costs between $83 to $3,619 to move from Rochester to Buffalo. The prices below break down your 77-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $518 - $3,619
- Moving containers: $614 - $1,969
- Rental trucks: $83 - $166
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $518 - $2,722 | $614 - $1,051 | $83 - $133 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,019 - $3,009 | $828 - $1,667 | $95 - $159 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,441 - $3,619 | $1,036 - $1,969 | $118 - $166 |
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 | $267 - $2,225+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $216/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $178 - $712 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $178 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Rochester to Buffalo
At 77 miles, your Rochester 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 Rochester to Buffalo. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 77 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Sheridan Brothers Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Rochester to Buffalo. They've been in business since 2004 (22 years of experience) and 70.8% of their 291 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Buffalo to Rochester guide.
Considerations when moving from Rochester to Buffalo
Cost of living: Rochester vs. Buffalo
When weighing the cost of living in Rochester versus Buffalo, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Buffalo really compares to Rochester.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Rochester | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,200 |
| Average home cost | $120,492 | $153,273 |
| Average income (per capita) | $46,628 | $48,050 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,274 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,921 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 9.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are similar to those in Rochester, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Buffalo are 27% higher than in Rochester. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Income levels in Rochester and Buffalo are quite similar, so you can expect steady earning potential and less financial stress in your new city.
- Living costs for one person are 14% higher in Buffalo compared to Rochester, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 16% higher than in Rochester. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Buffalo less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is the same as in Rochester, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities in your new city.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in Buffalo than in Rochester. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Rochester, you’d need about $3,420 in Buffalo.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Buffalo
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Rochester and Buffalo. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Rochester | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 278,349 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-38 | Democratic 57-42 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 39" |
| Annual snow | 77" | 85" |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 8.0 |
Buffalo sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Buffalo is about 32% larger than Rochester. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Rochester and Buffalo leaned Democratic.
- In Buffalo and Rochester, summer highs run about the same — 81°F vs. 82°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Rochester and Buffalo face similar winter lows—Rochester drops to 17°F, while Buffalo falls to 17°F.
- Buffalo receives more annual rainfall than Rochester, with about 39 inches per year compared to Rochester’s 33 inches.
- Buffalo usually sees more snow than Rochester, averaging 85 annually compared to Rochester’s 77.
- Buffalo offers more peace of mind than Rochester, with a lower crime index of 8.0 versus 37.54.
Things to do in Buffalo
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Buffalo has it all.
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 Rochester to Buffalo?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Rochester to Buffalo, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $465 and $2,273. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,019 up to $3,009. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,441 to $3,619 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Rochester to Buffalo?
Moving containers from Rochester to Buffalo will cost you $416 to $1,089 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $828 to $1,667. A larger home will cost $1,036 to $1,969.
How much is a moving truck from Rochester to Buffalo?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $82 to $138. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $95 and $159. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Rochester to Buffalo, costs usually fall between $118 and $166.
How far in advance should I book Rochester-to-Buffalo movers?
To make your move from Rochester to Buffalo as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Buffalo?
For the best deals on your move to Buffalo, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
