Best overall value
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.
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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
- Delaware District
- Lower West Side
- Elmwood Strip
- Parkside
- North Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Harris Hill
- 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 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.
