($1,242) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Buffalo, NY

1. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Sweet Lemon Moving Services: 4.44 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Buffalo

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Buffalo, you can expect to spend between $1,242 and $5,029. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,751 to $7,335 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Oakland to Buffalo typically runs between $7,262 and $12,169.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Buffalo

When moving from Oakland to Buffalo, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,247 and $3,334. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,330 to $4,614. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,372 up to $6,282. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Buffalo

Renting a moving truck in Oakland is usually your cheapest option to get to Buffalo. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,443 and $2,631. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,609 and $3,361. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,917 and $3,883.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 45% lower in Buffalo than in Oakland, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 71% lower in Buffalo than in Oakland.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 33% less in Buffalo than in Oakland.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Buffalo, where the cost of living for a single person is 18% less than in Oakland.
• Moving to Buffalo could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 33% less than in Oakland.
• The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 111% higher compared to Oakland, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 15% lower in Buffalo than in Oakland. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Buffalo can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 18% lower in New York compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Buffalo’s population is about 37% less than Oakland.
• Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Oakland’s score of 8.
• Buffalo is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 out of 100.
• Both Buffalo and Oakland have similar bike-friendliness scores (65 vs 63), meaning Buffalo is about as safe for cyclists as Oakland. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Buffalo’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 8.0 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Buffalo is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 53.55 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While New York doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Buffalo smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Buffalo offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo Beauts‎Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎Buffalo Bisons (minor league)‎Canisius Golden Griffins‎Columbus Destroyers game.