Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Buffalo
Moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids than in Buffalo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Grand Rapids compares to Buffalo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Grand Rapids | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,659 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,333 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,160 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 28% lower than in Grand Rapids, 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 35.0% lower than in Grand Rapids. - Income is the same in Buffalo and Grand Rapids. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 51.5% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 20.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 120.93% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 45.83% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 156.47% higher than in Grand Rapids.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,456.40 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Buffalo
| Buffalo | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 198,893 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 55.77 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 40% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 8.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Buffalo and Grand Rapids are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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
- Delaware District
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- Kenmore
- 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 Grand Rapids to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Grand Rapids to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Buffalo take?
The 385-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
