($928) Cost to Move From Detroit, MI to Buffalo, NY

1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
4. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Buffalo

When planning a move to Buffalo from Detroit, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $928 and $2,949. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,585 and $4,547 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,140 to $6,227.

Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Buffalo

When you’re heading from Detroit to Buffalo, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $596 and $1,366. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,029 and $2,087. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,329 to $2,485. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Buffalo

A moving rental truck from Detroit 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 $279 to $523. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $314 to $632, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Detroit to Buffalo costs around $377 to $730.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Buffalo from Detroit with rent being about the same in each state.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 192% steeper in Buffalo compared to Detroit.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 68% greater in Buffalo than in Detroit, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Buffalo and Detroit, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• A move to Buffalo can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 14% lower compared to Detroit.
• Buffalo and Detroit have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• Sales taxes in Buffalo surpass those in Detroit by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 156% more in New York than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Buffalo’s population is about 56% less than Detroit.
• Buffalo’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Detroit, making them very similar.
• Buffalo is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
• With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 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 Detroit with a score of 8.0 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
• Buffalo is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 53.55 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
• Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Detroit it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Detroit 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.