Sioux Falls, SD to Buffalo, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Sioux Falls to Buffalo typically costs $3,500–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,119 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Buffalo, NY typically costs $3,500–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,119-mile move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $699 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,367 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $3,549 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
Studio apartment
Feb 22, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 18, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Sioux Falls to Buffalo
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Sioux Falls to Buffalo might be as low as $3,000, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,100.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Sioux Falls.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $800 to $2,300 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Buffalo, NY to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Best Sioux Falls to Buffalo movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Sioux Falls to Buffalo
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best SD→NY movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 15 South Dakota movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Sioux Falls to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Buffalo runs about 46% higher for singles and 26% higher for families than Sioux Falls.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Buffalo versus $1,770 in Sioux Falls; families pay $5,720 compared with $4,542.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Sioux Falls | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,265 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,250 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $318,982 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,538 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,770 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,542 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 10.9% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 9% higher in Buffalo than in Sioux Falls, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 33% cheaper in Buffalo, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 8% higher in Buffalo than in Sioux Falls, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Buffalo, as the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 46% greater than in Sioux Falls. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Buffalo, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 26% more than it is in Sioux Falls.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo exceeds that of Sioux Falls by about 197%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo exceed those in Sioux Falls by 35%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- New York has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Sioux Falls and Buffalo, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Sioux Falls | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $205.37 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.20 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.28 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.50 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.88 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Sioux Falls than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Sioux Falls vs. Buffalo
| Sioux Falls | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,600 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 38 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 63 |
| Crime index | 42.83 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 57.17 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo's population is about 37% greater than Sioux Falls.
- Buffalo's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Sioux Falls's score of 2.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Sioux Falls with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Sioux Falls's 38 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Sioux Falls, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Sioux Falls with a score of 8.0 compared to Sioux Falls's 42.83. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sioux Falls neighborhoods are safer than 42.83%.
- Buffalo is considered to be less safe than Sioux Falls with a score of 53.55 vs Sioux Falls's 57.17.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Sioux Falls it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Sioux Falls to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in New York, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Buffalo without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Buffalo
Ready to relocate to Queen City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to New York, it's the perfect time to explore Buffalo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Buffalo include museums and art centers like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team 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 Sioux Falls to Buffalo?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Sioux Falls.
When is the cheapest time to move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo?
With many people choosing to move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Sioux Falls to Buffalo take?
Covering 1,119 miles, the move from Sioux Falls, SD to Buffalo, NY typically takes two to eight days. Some Sioux Falls movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Buffalo can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Sioux Falls can handle specialty items for my move to Buffalo?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Sioux Falls, 4 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SD, there are 9 piano movers and 3 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
