Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Buffalo
Moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC than in Buffalo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Buffalo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 50% lower than in Washington DC, 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 64.1% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Buffalo is 37.6% lower than in Washington DC, 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 34.7% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 48.4% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 35.71% higher than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 45.83% higher than in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 89.57% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,959.88 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Buffalo
| Buffalo | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 61% less than Washington DC.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Buffalo is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Washington DC'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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 8.0 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 53.55 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: New York doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Buffalo. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Buffalo
Ready to relocate to "Queen City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Harris Hill
- Kenmore
- Billington Heights
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, itโs time to see what Buffalo is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Buffalo include museums and art 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Washington DC to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Buffalo take?
The 380-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to four days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
