Top-rated local movers that handle Buffalo to Madison moves
When planning a move from Buffalo to Madison, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Buffalo who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Buffalo to Madison.
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Best Buffalo Movers : 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Pryority Movers : 4.02 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 40318
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3104397
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 40835
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Bulldog Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 41063
Years in Business: 6
Alternate Names: Pryority Delivery Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Madison?
Movers in New York charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,007 – $3,203 | $721 – $1,743 | $471 – $964 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,834 – $4,890 | $1,285 – $2,412 | $561 – $1,156 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,439 – $6,889 | $1,824 – $3,393 | $634 – $1,294 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Madison
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Madison, you can expect to spend between $1,007 and $3,203. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,834 to $4,890 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Buffalo to Madison typically runs between $3,439 and $6,889.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Madison
When moving from Buffalo to Madison, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $721 and $1,743. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,285 to $2,412. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,824 up to $3,393. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Madison
Renting a moving truck in Buffalo is usually your cheapest option to get to Madison. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $471 and $964. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $561 and $1,156. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $634 and $1,294.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Buffalo to Madison
The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,519, but larger homes can run up to $5,842.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Buffalo.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($471–$1,235) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Buffalo – roughly 11% less for singles and 5% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,589 in Buffalo. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $5,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Buffalo | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 7.65% |
- As you consider relocating to Madison, note that rent can be roughly 33% more expensive than it is in Buffalo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 72% higher in Madison than in Buffalo.
- The average income in Madison and Buffalo is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Madison, where the cost of living for a single person is 11% less than in Buffalo.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Madison and Buffalo, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Madison experiences an unemployment rate that is about 65% lower than that of Buffalo. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 37% lower in Madison than in Buffalo. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Madison can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 30% lower in Wisconsin compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Buffalo with Madison:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Buffalo than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in Madison.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Madison
| Buffalo | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 66 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison’s population is within about 5% of Buffalo, so they’re very similar in size.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Buffalo’s score of 7.
- Madison is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
- Both Madison and Buffalo have similar bike-friendliness scores (63 vs 66), meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Buffalo. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Madison’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 34.57 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Buffalo with a safety index of 65.43 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to Madison move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Madison smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Madison
Now that you’ve chosen Mad City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Madison to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
After getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, it’s time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Madison offers cultural landmarks like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Madison?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Madison are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Madison?
Because spring and fall moves from Buffalo to Madison are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Madison take?
A move of 687 miles from Buffalo, NY to Madison, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Buffalo sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Madison is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Buffalo offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Buffalo have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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