Top-rated local movers that handle Buffalo to San Jose moves
When planning a move from Buffalo to San Jose, 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 San Jose.
- 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 San Jose?
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 | $1,091 – $4,576 | $1,429 – $3,525 | $1,473 – $2,914 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,291 – $7,135 | $2,440 – $4,938 | $1,661 – $3,503 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,569 – $10,527 | $3,431 – $6,659 | $2,058 – $4,257 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to San Jose
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to San Jose, you can expect to spend between $1,091 and $4,576. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,291 to $7,135 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Buffalo to San Jose typically runs between $6,569 and $10,527.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to San Jose
When moving from Buffalo to San Jose, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,429 and $3,525. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,440 to $4,938. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,431 up to $6,659. 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 San Jose
Renting a moving truck in Buffalo is usually your cheapest option to get to San Jose. 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 $1,473 and $2,914. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,661 and $3,503. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,058 and $4,257.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Buffalo to San Jose
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 $2,430, but larger homes can run up to $10,138.
- 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 ($1,473–$3,694) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 42% higher for singles and 46% higher for families than Buffalo.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Buffalo versus $2,589 in Buffalo; families pay $8,354 compared with $5,720.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Buffalo | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $3,027 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Jose, note that rent can be roughly 158% 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 581% higher in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 31% higher in San Jose compared to Buffalo, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person is 42% more than in Buffalo. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Jose, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 46% more than it is in Buffalo.
- San Jose experiences an unemployment rate that is about 31% 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 7% higher in San Jose than in Buffalo. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 22% higher in California compared to New York. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Buffalo with San Jose:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $293.08 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $48.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $4.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $20.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Buffalo than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in San Jose.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. San Jose
| Buffalo | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 971,233 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 62 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 47.73 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 52.27 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 249% greater than Buffalo.
- San Jose’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Buffalo, making them very similar.
- San Jose is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
- Both San Jose and Buffalo have similar bike-friendliness scores (63 vs 62), meaning San Jose 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.
- San Jose’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 47.73 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- San Jose and Buffalo have a similar safety level, with scores of 52.27 and 53.55.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to San Jose 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California 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 San Jose smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Jose
Now that you’ve chosen Man Jose as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Jose 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, San Jose offers cultural landmarks like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — 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 San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to San Jose 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 San Jose?
Because spring and fall moves from Buffalo to San Jose 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 San Jose take?
A move of 2,676 miles from Buffalo, NY to San Jose, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Buffalo sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Jose 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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