Top-rated local movers that handle San Jose to Buffalo moves
When planning a move from San Jose to Buffalo, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 80 local movers in San Jose who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from San Jose to Buffalo.
- Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191389
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 1922488
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Pros Movers , Pure Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Buffalo?
Movers in California charge $128 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 | $1,276 – $5,456 | $1,402 – $3,356 | $1,400 – $2,800 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,805 – $7,779 | $2,344 – $5,039 | $1,597 – $3,469 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,516 – $12,050 | $3,231 – $6,865 | $1,917 – $4,340 |
Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Buffalo
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Buffalo, you can expect to spend between $1,276 and $5,456. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,805 to $7,779 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Jose to Buffalo typically runs between $7,516 and $12,050.
Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Buffalo
When moving from San Jose to Buffalo, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,402 and $3,356. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,344 to $5,039. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,231 up to $6,865. 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 San Jose to Buffalo
Renting a moving truck in San Jose 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 $1,400 and $2,800. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,597 and $3,469. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,917 and $4,340.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Jose to Buffalo
The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,674, but larger homes can run up to $11,048.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Jose.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,400–$3,957) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Jose to Buffalo
Many movers find Buffalo easier on the wallet than San Jose – roughly 30% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,589 for one person in Buffalo versus $3,674 in San Jose. For a family of four, it’s $5,720 compared with $8,354.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Jose | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,027 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,240 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,674 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,354 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 61% lower in Buffalo than in San Jose, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 85% lower in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 24% less in Buffalo than in San Jose.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Buffalo, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in San Jose.
- 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 32% less than in San Jose.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 44% higher compared to San Jose, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Buffalo than in San Jose. 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing San Jose with Buffalo:
| Living Expense | San Jose | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $293.08 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.44 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.93 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.50 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $123.75 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- Bread is more expensive in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Jose than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Jose than in Buffalo.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Buffalo
| San Jose | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 63 |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 52.27 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 71% less than San Jose.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score is within about 5% of San Jose, making them very similar.
- Buffalo is more walkable than San Jose with a score of 67 out of 100 vs San Jose’s 51 out of 100.
- Both Buffalo and San Jose have similar bike-friendliness scores (62 vs 63), meaning Buffalo is about as safe for cyclists as San Jose. 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 San Jose with a score of 8.0 compared to San Jose’s 47.73. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Buffalo and San Jose have a similar safety level, with scores of 53.55 and 52.27.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in San Jose it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose to Buffalo move
- 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.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you’ve chosen Queen City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo to check out.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Buffalo?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Jose to Buffalo are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Jose are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Buffalo?
Because spring and fall moves from San Jose to Buffalo are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Jose to Buffalo take?
A move of 2,686 miles from San Jose, CA to Buffalo, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in San Jose sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Buffalo is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in San Jose?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In San Jose, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Jose offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 63 movers in San Jose have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 54 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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