Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Buffalo typically costs $2,700–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 855 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Buffalo
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY typically costs $2,700–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 855-mile move from Des Moines to Buffalo, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $5,959 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,269 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $644 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Buffalo
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Buffalo may only cost $2,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,200.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Buffalo, NY to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Buffalo movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Buffalo
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Buffalo. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→NY movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Buffalo runs about 37% higher for singles and 31% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Buffalo versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,720 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 10.9% |
- Your budget won't be hit too hard when you move to Buffalo from Des Moines with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 11% steeper in Buffalo compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Buffalo than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Buffalo, with the cost of living for a single person being 37% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Buffalo, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 31% higher than in Des Moines.
- Buffalo has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 61%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo surpass those in Des Moines by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 148% more in New York than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Buffalo.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Buffalo
| Des Moines | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 63 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo's population is about 60% less than Des Moines.
- Buffalo's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 8.0 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Buffalo is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 53.55 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Buffalo
With your sights set on Queen City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Buffalo.
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
With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing Buffalo. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- 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, 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Des Moines to Buffalo?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Buffalo. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Buffalo?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Buffalo? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Buffalo take?
The 855-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Buffalo, NY, takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
