$1,212 Movers From Grand Rapids to Buffalo

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Grand Rapids, MI to Buffalo, NY averages from $457 to $5,911 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Grand Rapids moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Buffalo, NY.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Grand Rapids guide.

Moving from Grand Rapids to Buffalo resources

Moving 385 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Buffalo?

Grand Rapids movers charge $120 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,212 - $3,652 $726 - $1,809 $404 - $772
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,112 - $5,911 $1,287 - $2,539 $457 - $862
4+ bedrooms $3,628 - $7,935 $1,811 - $3,400 $568 - $1,097
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 385 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 Grand Rapids to Buffalo will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Grand Rapids to Buffalo?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Buffalo will cost between $1,212 to $3,652. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,112 to $5,911, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Grand Rapids to Buffalo will cost from $3,628 to $7,935.

How much are moving container companies from Grand Rapids to Buffalo?

Moving containers from Grand Rapids to Buffalo will cost you $726 to $1,809 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,287 to $2,539. A larger home will cost $1,811 to $3,400.

How much is a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Buffalo?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $404 to $772. A larger move will cost $457 to $862, and a four-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Buffalo costs from $568 to $1,097. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Grand Rapids to Buffalo moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Grand Rapids to Buffalo is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Grand Rapids to Buffalo.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Grand Rapids to Buffalo

Cost of living: Grand Rapids vs Buffalo

Grand Rapids Buffalo
Average rent cost $1,795 $1,200
Average home value $308,002 $213,418
Average income (per capita) $62,283 $63,443
Cost of Living (single person) $913 $1,022
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,317 $3,645
Unemployment rate 4.3% 9.5%
Sales Tax 6.0% 8.75%
State Income Tax 4.25% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Buffalo are 33% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Home prices in Buffalo are 30.7% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Buffalo is 1.9% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 11.9% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 9.9% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 120.93% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • 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 into perspective, you would need around $3,358.16 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How is life different in Grand Rapids compared to 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 higher 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.
  • Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids with a score of 63 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 52.
  • 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 is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 53.55 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Considerations for moving to Buffalo

  • 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 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.

Local Grand Rapids movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Corrigan Moving Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
7409 Expressway Court Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
(616) 455-4500
Powell Relocation Group Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
4937 Starr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546
(616) 956-0900

Visit our best long distance movers in Grand Rapids page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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
  • Delaware District
  • Lower West Side
  • Elmwood Strip
  • Downtown
  • Parkside
  • West Side
  • North Park
  • First Ward

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Williamsville
  • Clarence Center
  • Eggertsville
  • Harris Hill
  • East Aurora
  • Kenmore
  • Grandyle Village
  • Billington Heights
  • Rapids
  • Lancaster

What to do in Buffalo

These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
  • Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Canalside
  • Buffalo City Hall
  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
  • KeyBank Center
  • Pierce-Arrow Museum
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
  • Sahlen Field
  • Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Get your sports on!

Buffalo is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Buffalo Bandits
  • Buffalo Beauts‎
  • Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎
  • Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎
  • Buffalo Bisons (minor league)‎
  • Canisius Golden Griffins‎
  • Columbus Destroyers

FAQs about moving from Grand Rapids to Buffalo

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 transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 81ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF in Buffalo.

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 summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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