The best local movers for Santa Ana to Buffalo moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Santa Ana that also handles long-distance moves to Buffalo. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 93 local movers in Santa Ana who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Santa Ana to Buffalo.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Buffalo?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,292 – $5,353 | $1,339 – $3,398 | $1,415 – $2,712 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,658 – $7,223 | $2,356 – $5,094 | $1,516 – $3,228 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,294 – $11,769 | $3,147 – $6,795 | $1,897 – $3,802 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Buffalo
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Buffalo will cost between $1,292 and $5,353. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Santa Ana will range from $3,658 to $7,223, and a large move from Santa Ana to Buffalo will cost from $7,294 to $11,769.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Buffalo
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Buffalo, expect to pay between $1,339 and $3,398 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,356 up to $5,094. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,147 and $6,795. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Buffalo
Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Buffalo is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,415 and $2,712. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,516 and $3,228. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,897 up to $3,802 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Buffalo
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,639, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,041.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,415–$3,398) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Buffalo
Many movers find Buffalo easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 59% less for singles and 49% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,589 for one person in Buffalo versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $5,720 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- If you’re heading to Buffalo from Santa Ana, you’ll find that rent is roughly 55% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 75% less in Buffalo than in Santa Ana.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 18% lower in Buffalo compared to Santa Ana.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Buffalo. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 59% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Choosing to move to Buffalo can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 49% less than in Santa Ana.
- In Buffalo, the unemployment rate is approximately 36% higher than in Santa Ana, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Buffalo and Santa Ana (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 18% less in New York than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Santa Ana and Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Buffalo.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Santa Ana than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Buffalo
| Santa Ana | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 63 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 10% less than Santa Ana.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Santa Ana, making them very similar.
- Buffalo and Santa Ana are similarly walkable.
- Both Buffalo and Santa Ana have similar bike-friendliness scores (62 vs 63), meaning Buffalo is about as safe for cyclists as Santa Ana. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Buffalo’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 8.0 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 53.55 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: New York doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Buffalo. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Queen City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Buffalo.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in New York, it’s time to get out and discover what Buffalo has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Buffalo, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BeautsBuffalo Bills (AAFC)Buffalo Bisons (AHL)Buffalo Bisons (minor league)Canisius Golden GriffinsColumbus Destroyers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Santa Ana to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Buffalo?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Ana to Buffalo, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Buffalo take?
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Buffalo, covers 2,536 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Santa Ana movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Buffalo.
Which movers in Santa Ana give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Santa Ana?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 73 movers in Santa Ana advertise piano moving expertise. 60 movers in Santa Ana provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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