($1,224) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Buffalo

When planning a move to Buffalo from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,224 and $4,286. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,280 and $5,753 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,003 to $7,508.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Buffalo

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Buffalo, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $746 and $1,906. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,368 and $2,619. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,970 to $3,499. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Buffalo

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Buffalo is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $593 to $1,053. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $621 to $1,316, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Buffalo costs around $770 to $1,566.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Buffalo from Des Moines with rent being about the same in each state.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 11% steeper in Buffalo compared to Des Moines.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Buffalo than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Buffalo, with the cost of living for a single person being 37% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Buffalo, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 31% higher than in Des Moines.
• Buffalo has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 61%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in Buffalo surpass those in Des Moines by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 148% more in New York than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Buffalo’s population is about 60% less than Des Moines.
• Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Buffalo is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Buffalo’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 8.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Buffalo is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 53.55 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Buffalo are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in New York, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Buffalo. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Allentown
• Delaware District
• Lower West Side
• Elmwood Strip
• Downtown
• Parkside
• West Side
• North Park
• First Ward

Best neighborhoods for families

• Williamsville
• Clarence Center
• Eggertsville
• Harris Hill
• East Aurora
• Kenmore
• Grandyle Village
• Billington Heights
• Rapids
• Lancaster

Things to do in Buffalo

With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing Buffalo. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Buffalo is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo Beauts‎Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎Buffalo Bisons (minor league)‎Canisius Golden Griffins‎Columbus Destroyers game.