Best overall value
Local moving companies in Chicago
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Collins Family Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
The Professionals Moving Specialists
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3383907
Years in Business: 20
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 USWord travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3383907
- State license #: 136144
Local Associations
New City Moving
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 3078026
Years in Business: 16
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 USMoving magic happens when speed meets serviceโNew City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the companyโs efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaroundโwhich set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the companyโs efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3078026
- State license #: 158051
Alternative Business Names
- Windy City Moving, Inc.
H2H Movers Inc
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2428328
Years in Business: 10
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613 USMoving day just got easier for H2H customers. Out of 640 real customer reviews analyzed, a remarkable 88% delivered positive feedback, placing H2H Movers above most competitors in the moving industry. Clients most frequently highlighted the companyโs efficient service, careful handling of possessions, professional and polite staff, great communication, and a quick moving process. People appreciated teams who arrived on time, completed moves ahead of schedule, and made stressful relocations feel manageable, often noting that quoted prices were accurate or even lower than expected. On the other hand, the most common complaints were unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers reported being billed more than their estimates due to extra fees or poor packing, and some faced slow resolution for claims or communication gaps after their move. While some neutral reviews cited problems with lost items or payment methods, these were far less frequent than the praise received. H2H Movers stands out with efficient, reliable, and friendly crewsโa reputation that exceeds the service level of many moving companies, though attention to transparent billing and timeliness could make experiences even better.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2428328
- State license #: 184599
Alternative Business Names
- H2H Movers, Inc
Alliance Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2882675
Years in Business: 9
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 USMoving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2882675
- State license #: 214845
Alternative Business Names
- HK & RP, LLC
Collins Family Movers, Inc.
rating
4.66 / 5
Years in Business: 16
2742 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 USRave reviews set Collins Family Movers apart in Chicago. Out of 856 customer feedback items analyzed, 91.5% praised the companyโone of the highest satisfaction rates among moving services. Clients consistently highlight the crewโs efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, fast moving, and clear communication. Many emphasize how staff made moving less stressful and more affordable than competitors. Multiple customers have relied on Collins for years and recommend them to family and friends. On the downside, some input describes issues like damaged items, late arrivals, and higher costs than quotedโmostly resulting from complex situations or communication lapses. Negative experiences are rare but involve property damage or delays, issues not uncommon in the industry but less frequent here than average. Few neutral reviews focus on minor miscommunications or unmet expectations. Collins Family Movers outperforms typical movers by delivering speed, reliability, and positive attitudes nearly every time, though customers with valuable or sensitive items should still clarify expectations and coverage in advance.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- State license #: 215646
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Chicago to Buffalo
Moving from Chicago to Buffalo means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Buffalo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Buffalo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 41% lower than in Chicago, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
Home prices in Buffalo are 27.8% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Buffalo is 11.4% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 29.0% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 38.3% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 5.56% higher than in Chicago.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 14.63% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,129.11 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Buffalo
| Buffalo | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 90% less than Chicago.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Buffalo is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score 63 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 8.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 53.55 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago 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
- Lower West Side
- Downtown
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- Kenmore
- 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 Chicago to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Chicago to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Buffalo take?
The 533-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to six days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
