Top-rated movers to make your Buffalo to Columbus move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Buffalo that offers long-distance services to Columbus can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed five top local movers in Buffalo who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Buffalo to Columbus.
- 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 Columbus?
In New York, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $803 – $2,581 | $608 – $1,411 | $327 – $596 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,395 – $4,043 | $1,070 – $2,101 | $355 – $706 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,143 – $5,845 | $1,517 – $2,804 | $410 – $878 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Columbus
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbus from Buffalo, you can expect prices to land between $803 and $2,581. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,395 to $4,043 for the trip from Buffalo to Columbus. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,143 and $5,845.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Columbus
Moving containers from Buffalo to Columbus will cost you $608 to $1,411 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,070 to $2,101. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,517 to $2,804. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Buffalo to Columbus typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $327 and $596 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $355 to $706. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $410 to $878.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Buffalo to Columbus move
The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,079 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,021 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Buffalo.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $327 to $778, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 8% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than Buffalo.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Buffalo versus $2,589 in Buffalo; families pay $7,249 compared with $5,720.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Buffalo | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 3.5% |
- Planning a move to Columbus? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 20% higher than in Buffalo, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Columbus are about 12% higher than those in Buffalo.
- In terms of average income, Columbus and Buffalo are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Columbus, as living costs for a single person are 8% higher than in Buffalo. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 27% higher than in Buffalo.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is about 40% lower than in Buffalo. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Columbus relative to Buffalo. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Ohio are 68% below those in New York. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Buffalo and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Buffalo than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Buffalo than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in Columbus.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Columbus
| Buffalo | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 48 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 225% greater than Buffalo.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Buffalo’s score of 7.
- Columbus is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Buffalo, which has a score of 63.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 49.65 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 50.35 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Ohio’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbus
Planning your move to The Arch City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Ohio home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Columbus?
Planning your move from Buffalo to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Buffalo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Buffalo to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Columbus take?
The 325-mile journey from Buffalo, NY to Columbus, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Buffalo offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Buffalo?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Buffalo, 4 movers can manage piano relocations. By comparison, New York has 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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