Top Lancaster, CA to Buffalo, NY Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Lancaster guide.

1. Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
2. Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
3. Seka Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
4. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
5. Best California Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from California to New York

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to New York will cost between $1,617 and $6,482. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to NY will range from $4,419 to $9,405, and a large move from California to New York will cost from $8,480 to $14,854.

Cost of moving containers from California to New York

If you're relocating from California to New York, you'll typically spend between $1,619 and $4,189 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,874 up to $6,098. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,835 and $8,621. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to New York

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,827 and $3,332. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,979 to $4,088. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,498 and $4,816.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent prices in Buffalo are 54% lower than in Lancaster, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
  Home prices in Buffalo are 54.9% lower than in Lancaster.
• Income in Buffalo is 15.1% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo — including UBS, Delaware North, and Human — may pay more.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 1.9% higher than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Buffalo, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 2.8% higher than in Lancaster.
• The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 39.10% lower than in Lancaster.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the city's sales taxes in Buffalo are 14.63% lower than in Lancaster.
• One perk of moving to Buffalo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in Lancaster.

• The population of Buffalo is about 60% greater than Lancaster, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Buffalo offers better access to buses and trains than Lancaster, based on public transportation ratings. Buffalo has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 0 in Lancaster. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Buffalo means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lancaster. Buffalo is considered more walkable than Lancaster, with a score of 67 out of 100 versus 29 out of 100 in Lancaster. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Buffalo is considered more bike-friendly than Lancaster in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score of 63 out of 100, while Lancaster is rated as 40 out of 100.
• Buffalo has a lower crime rate than Lancaster based on scores of 8.0 and Lancaster's 45.5, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• Buffalo is generally as safe as Lancaster, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Buffalo isn't as good as it is in Lancaster, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Buffalo has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Lancaster is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

• 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license 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: 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 Buffalo. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Allentown
• Delaware District
• Parkside
• West Side
• North Park

Best neighborhoods for families

• Harris Hill
• East Aurora
• Kenmore
• Grandyle Village
• Billington Heights

Things to do in Buffalo

After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it's time to see what Buffalo is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• 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, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Burchfield Penney Art Center.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beauts‎, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎ game.