Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Irvine to Buffalo
Moving from Irvine to Buffalo means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Irvine than in Buffalo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Irvine compares to Buffalo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Irvine | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $4,000 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $1,561,760 | $213,418 |
Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $63,443 |
Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,589 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $5,720 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.5% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 70% lower than in Irvine, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
Home prices in Buffalo are 86.3% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Buffalo is 44.4% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 71.8% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 68.2% lower than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 75.93% higher than in Irvine.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 12.90% higher than in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Buffalo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in Irvine.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $847.28 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Buffalo
Buffalo | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Population | 278,349 | 307,670 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 4 |
Walkability score | 67 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 63 | 69 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 31.01 |
Safety Index | 53.55 | 68.99 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 10% less than Irvine.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Irvine's lower score of 4.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 out of 100.
- Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score 63 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Irvine with a score of 8.0 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Buffalo is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 53.55 vs Irvine's 68.99.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Irvine it's good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Buffalo move
- Weather: Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: 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 verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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
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
- Downtown
- West Side
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Kenmore
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
Once youโre settled into your new home in New York, itโs time to get out and discover what Buffalo has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Buffalo features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Burchfield Penney Art Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beautsโ, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)โ, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)โ game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Irvine to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Irvine to Buffalo 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 Irvine to Buffalo take?
The 2,541-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Buffalo, NY, takes seven to 21 days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.