Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Buffalo
Moving from Des Moines to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Des Moines, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Des Moines | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,891 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 4% higher than in Des Moines, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Buffalo are 11.0% higher than in Des Moines. - Income in Buffalo is 8.5% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 36.9% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Buffalo, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 30.6% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 61.02% higher than in Des Moines.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 25.00% higher than in Des Moines.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 147.73% higher than in Des Moines.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,107.35 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Buffalo
| Buffalo | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 699,292 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 57.8 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 60% less than Des Moines.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower 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 they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo and Des Moines have a similar crime rate.
- 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 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Delaware District
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Eggertsville
- East Aurora
- Billington Heights
- Rapids
Things to do in Buffalo
After settling into your new New York home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Buffalo has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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 cityโs Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina โ among other sites โ 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 Beautsโ, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)โ, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)โ game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Buffalo take?
The 849-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.
