Quick answer: The cost to move from Lansing to Buffalo ranges from $427 to $6,328 and the journey will take approximately one to four days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 329-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Lansing guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Lansing to Buffalo
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Lansing to Buffalo isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to NY move
The best local movers servicing Lansing to Buffalo moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Lansing that offers long-distance services to Buffalo can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Lansing who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Lansing to Buffalo.
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- M & M Moving and Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- MASS Movers LLC: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2194234
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 74
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems, Midland Moving & Storage Company, Corrigan United Moving & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Lansing to Buffalo?
Lansing movers charge $240 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 | $1,296 - $3,924 | $739 - $1,896 | $401 - $784 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,210 - $6,328 | $1,381 - $2,764 | $427 - $893 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,227 - $8,458 | $1,845 - $3,310 | $524 - $1,069 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to New York
Planning a move from Michigan to New York? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,296 and $3,924. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,210 and $6,328 for the same journey (MI to NY). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,227 to $8,458.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to New York
If you're moving from Michigan to New York, expect to pay between $739 and $1,896 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,381 up to $2,764. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,845 and $3,310. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to New York
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $401 and $784. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $427 to $893. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $524 and $1,069.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Lansing to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Lansing to Buffalo
Moving from Lansing to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Lansing, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Lansing | Buffalo | |
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Average rent cost | $1,129 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $148,542 | $213,418 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $63,443 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,595 | $2,589 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,199 | $5,720 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 10.9% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Buffalo, since prices are typically 6% higher than in Lansing.
- The home prices in Buffalo are 43.7% higher than in Lansing, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Buffalo is 2.0% lower than in Lansing, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo — including UBS, Delaware North, and Human — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 62.3% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Buffalo, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 36.2% higher than in Lansing.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 28.38% higher than in Lansing.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Buffalo, since its sales taxes are 45.83% higher than what you are paying in Lansing.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 156.47% higher than in Lansing.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,869.59 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Buffalo
Buffalo | Lansing | |
---|---|---|
Population | 278,349 | 112,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 5 |
Walkability score | 67 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 63 | 55 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 48.66 |
Safety Index | 53.55 | 51.34 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Buffalo is about 147% greater than Lansing, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Buffalo offers better access to buses and trains than Lansing, based on public transportation ratings. Buffalo has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 5 in Lansing. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Buffalo means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lansing. Buffalo is considered more walkable than Lansing, with a score of 67 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Lansing. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Buffalo is considered more bike-friendly than Lansing in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score of 63 out of 100, while Lansing is rated as 55 out of 100.
- Buffalo has a lower crime rate than Lansing based on scores of 8.0 and Lansing's 48.66, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- Buffalo is generally as safe as Lansing, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Buffalo isn't as good as it is in Lansing, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Buffalo has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Lansing is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Lansing 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in New York, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Buffalo Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Buffalo
With your sights set on Queen City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Delaware District
- Lower West Side
- West Side
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- Grandyle Village
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
Once you're settled into your new home in New York, it's time to get out and discover what Buffalo has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- 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 city's Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — 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 Beauts, Buffalo Bills (AAFC), or Buffalo Bisons (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Buffalo?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lansing to Buffalo are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lansing. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Lansing 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 Lansing to Buffalo take?
Moving from Lansing, MI to Buffalo, NY covers 329 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Lansing movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Buffalo.