($630+) Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $630 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,258 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 949 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,739, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,258 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,073 - $3,815, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $630 - $1,705.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Buffalo, NY, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,117 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN
There are 3 main ways to move from Buffalo to Minneapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,117 - $5,024. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 67% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 949 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 949-mile route from Buffalo to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,739 - $3,884 | $1,073 - $2,114 | $630 - $1,215 | $956 - $1,884 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,117 - $5,024 | $1,482 - $2,766 | $700 - $1,459 | $1,093 - $2,304 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,480 - $7,258 | $1,956 - $3,815 | $803 - $1,705 | $1,518 - $3,023 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN
For the 949-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $1,739 and $7,258. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $294 - $1,960 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Buffalo generally start around $341 plus $200 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Buffalo to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,739 - $3,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,117 - $5,024
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,480 - $7,258
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Buffalo to Minneapolis.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Buffalo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $490 - $4,900 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $196 - $1,176/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $294 - $2,352 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $980 - $2,940 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,450 - $9,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $734 - $1,395 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $980 - $2,450 |
| Piano | Any piano type63% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $784 - $3,430 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $294 - $1,470 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Best Buffalo Movers | $637 - $1,960 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $294 - $14,700+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $294 - $3,430+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Buffalo to Minneapolis?
Minnesota Transport Services Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Minnesota, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Buffalo, NY. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Buffalo, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,073 and $3,815. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Buffalo typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Buffalo to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $2,114
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,482 - $2,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,956 - $3,815
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $686 in Buffalo, NY, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Minneapolis, MN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York to Minnesota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,073. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,482 - $2,766.
What are the best moving containers Buffalo to Minneapolis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Buffalo to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Buffalo:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 24 years in business
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN
Renting a moving truck for the 949-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $630 and $1,705, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $296 - $338
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Buffalo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Buffalo to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $630 - $1,215
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $700 - $1,459
- 4+ bedrooms: $803 - $1,705
Pro tip: The base rate of $630 - $1,705 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Buffalo to Minneapolis. Fuel ($296 - $338), lodging at around $147/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Buffalo, New York, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $686.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $296 - $338 for the 949-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $59 and $319, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 949-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $294 - $441.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Minneapolis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN
If you're moving a larger household from Buffalo, New York, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,093 and $2,304.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Buffalo to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,093 - $2,304
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,518 - $3,023
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $74 - $147 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Buffalo, New York, typically costs $686.
What are the best freight companies from Buffalo to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Minneapolis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Buffalo, NY vs Minneapolis, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Minneapolis, side by side with Buffalo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Buffalo, NY | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 107 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $153,273 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $48,050/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 53.55/100 | 43.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Buffalo, NY guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Minnesota, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 520 movers licensed in New York, useful context for sizing up this 949-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 949-mile route from Buffalo, NY, to Minneapolis, MN, run $1,739 - $7,258 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,073 - $3,815, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $630 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,117, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Minneapolis, MN
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
What do local movers charge in Buffalo?
Local movers based in Buffalo typically start around $341 as a base rate, plus $200/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN?
Costs on this route range from around $630 to $7,258, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,739 and $7,258, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Buffalo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 63% of movers in Buffalo handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.