Quick answer: The cost to move from San Francisco to Buffalo ranges from $1,869 to $10,090 and the journey will take approximately seven to 21 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,644-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to San Francisco guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from San Francisco to Buffalo
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from San Francisco to Buffalo isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NY move
Local moving companies in San Francisco
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 680 Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Buffalo?
San Francisco movers charge $150 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,676 - $6,659 | $1,753 - $4,238 | $1,852 - $3,554 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,722 - $10,090 | $3,142 - $6,548 | $1,869 - $4,105 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,702 - $14,434 | $4,082 - $8,491 | $2,486 - $5,191 |
Cost to hire movers from California to New York
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to New York, you can expect prices to land between $1,676 and $6,659. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,722 to $10,090 for the trip from CA to NY. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $8,702 and $14,434.
Cost of moving containers from California to New York
When you’re heading from California to New York, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,753 and $4,238. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,142 and $6,548. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,082 to $8,491. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to New York
A moving rental truck 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 $1,852 to $3,554. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,869 to $4,105, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to New York costs around $2,486 to $5,191.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Buffalo
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Buffalo
Moving from San Francisco to Buffalo means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Buffalo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Francisco compares to Buffalo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Francisco | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $1,241,003 | $213,418 |
Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $63,443 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,589 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $5,720 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.5% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 63% lower than in San Francisco, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
Home prices in Buffalo are 82.8% lower than in San Francisco. - Income in Buffalo is 53.6% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo — including UBS, Delaware North, and Human — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Buffalo. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31.5% lower than in San Francisco.
- A move to Buffalo can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 34.4% less than what it costs in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 75.93% higher than in San Francisco.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Buffalo, since its sales taxes are 1.39% higher than what you are paying in San Francisco.
- One perk of moving to Buffalo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in San Francisco.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,054.22 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Buffalo
Buffalo | San Francisco | |
---|---|---|
Population | 278,349 | 808,988 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 10 |
Walkability score | 67 | 99 |
Bike friendliness score | 63 | 99 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 61.41 |
Safety Index | 53.55 | 38.59 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Buffalo might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 66% less than San Francisco.
- Getting around Buffalo without a car might be more difficult than in San Francisco. Buffalo has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas San Francisco is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Buffalo neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Francisco. Based on its score of 67 out of 100, Buffalo isn't as walkable as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Buffalo, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Francisco. While San Francisco has a bike-friendliness score of 99 out of 100, Buffalo earned a 63. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Buffalo has a lower crime rate than San Francisco based on scores of 8.0 and San Francisco's 61.41, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Buffalo than in San Francisco, based on Buffalo's safety index of 53.55 versus 38.59 for San Francisco. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Buffalo and San Francisco is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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: 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.
Where to live in Buffalo
Ready to relocate to Queen City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Parkside
- West Side
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- East Aurora
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Billington Heights
- 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: 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, 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beauts, Buffalo Bills (AAFC), or Buffalo Bisons (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Buffalo?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Francisco to Buffalo are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Francisco. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Buffalo take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Buffalo, NY covers 2,644 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Buffalo.