Moving from Chicago, IL to Buffalo, NY: Movers and Cost

Last Updated: Dec 30, 2022 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Buffalo, NY averages from $630 to $5,375 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Buffalo, NY. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Chicago guide.

Best Chicago to Buffalo movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Buffalo.
How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
Chicago to Buffalo car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 537 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Buffalo?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,174 - $3,213	$848 - $1,674	$597 - $826
2 - 3 bedrooms	$2,083 - $5,375	$1,574 - $2,492	$630 - $972
4+ bedrooms	$3,788 - $8,020	$2,068 - $3,062	$760 - $1,150

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 537 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Buffalo will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Who Are The Best Chicago to Buffalo Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Buffalo?

To ship furniture from Chicago to Buffalo with a mover will cost between $1,174 to $3,213. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,083 to $5,375, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Buffalo will cost from $3,788 to $8,020.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Buffalo?

Moving containers from Chicago to Buffalo will cost you $848 to $1,674 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,574 to $2,492. A larger home will cost $2,068 to $3,062.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Buffalo?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $597 to $826. A larger move will cost $630 to $972, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Buffalo costs from $760 to $1,150.

How to ship a car from Chicago to Buffalo

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Chicago to Buffalo car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Buffalo, NY a good idea?

Cost of Living: Chicago vs Buffalo

	Chicago	Buffalo
Average rent cost	$1,595	$1,050
Average home value	$306,098	$214,262
Average income (per capita)	$65,601	$61,042
Cost of Living (single person)	$1,001	$1,022
Cost of Living (family of 4)	$3,584	$3,645
Unemployment rate	9.0%	9.5%
Sales Tax	10.25%	8.75%
State Income Tax	4.95%	10.9%

source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo

Rent Prices in Buffalo, NY are 34% lower than in Chicago, IL.
Home Prices in Buffalo, NY are 30.0% lower than in Chicago, IL.
Income in Buffalo, NY is 6.9% lower than in Chicago, IL.
Cost of Living for a single person in Buffalo, NY is 2.1% higher than in Chicago, IL.
Cost of Living for a family in Buffalo, NY is 1.7% higher than in Chicago, IL.
Unemployment rate in Buffalo, NY is 5.56% higher than in Chicago, IL.
Sales Taxes in Buffalo, NY are 14.63% lower than in Chicago, IL.
State Income Taxes in Buffalo, NY are 120.20% higher than in Chicago, IL.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,937.1 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL to Buffalo, NY?

	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

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Buffalo’s population is about 90% less than Chicago.
Buffalo’s public transportation is not as good as Chicago with a score of 7 vs 9.
Buffalo is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 67 vs 77.
Buffalo is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 63 vs 72.
Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 8.0 compared to 35.19.
Buffalo is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 53.55 vs 33.87.
Air Quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Buffalo, NY

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 is one of the busiest moving states in the country, and local and intrastate moving companies operating within the Empire State are regulated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). 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 on the state regulator's official website.
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 forward to Buffalo. Get started here.
Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Chicago Movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Bellhop most popular	Get A Quote	4.1 overall rating	125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 +13125613707
Moovers Chicago Inc	Get A Quote	4.96 overall rating	5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 +17734742691
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating	7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077 +18476751223