Minneapolis, MN to Buffalo, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Minneapolis to Buffalo typically costs $3,000–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 953 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Minneapolis to Buffalo
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Buffalo, NY typically costs $3,000–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 953-mile move from Minneapolis to Buffalo, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,699 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,411 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,356 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 22, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 06, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Minneapolis to Buffalo move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,800 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Minneapolis.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $2,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Buffalo, NY to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Best Minneapolis to Buffalo movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Minneapolis to Buffalo
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Minneapolis to Buffalo much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MN→NY movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 50 Minnesota movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Buffalo runs about -34% higher for singles and 21% higher for families than Minneapolis.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Buffalo versus $3,900 in Minneapolis; families pay $5,720 compared with $4,710.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Minneapolis | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 10.9% |
- When relocating from Minneapolis to Buffalo, expect to find rent about 19% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 32% more affordable in Buffalo compared to Minneapolis.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 9% lower in Buffalo compared to Minneapolis.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Buffalo, as the cost of living for a single person is 34% lower compared to Minneapolis.
- 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 21% higher than in Minneapolis.
- Buffalo shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Minneapolis by around 111%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Buffalo and Minneapolis (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in New York are 11% above those in Minnesota. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Minneapolis and Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Minneapolis than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Minneapolis than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in Minneapolis than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Minneapolis than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Minneapolis than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Minneapolis than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Buffalo
| Minneapolis | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 63 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo's population is about 35% less than Minneapolis.
- Buffalo's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Minneapolis's score of 8.
- Buffalo is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Minneapolis's 71 out of 100.
- Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score of 63 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Minneapolis, which has a score of 83.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 8.0 compared to Minneapolis's 56.06. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Minneapolis with a safety index of 53.55 vs Minneapolis's 43.94.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Minneapolis it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis to Buffalo move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New York’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Buffalo
Planning your move to Queen City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
Things to do in Buffalo
After settling into your new New York home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Buffalo has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Buffalo features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BeautsBuffalo Bills (AAFC)Buffalo Bisons (AHL)Buffalo Bisons (minor league)Canisius Golden GriffinsColumbus Destroyers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Buffalo?
Planning your move from Minneapolis to Buffalo? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Buffalo take?
The 953-mile journey from Minneapolis, MN to Buffalo, NY, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Minneapolis offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Buffalo.
Are there special savings available from movers in Minneapolis?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Minneapolis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Minneapolis, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Minnesota has 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
