Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Fargo to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Fargo to Buffalo
Moving from Fargo to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Fargo, itโs 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:
| Fargo | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,055 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $287,548 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,566 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,299 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 14% higher than in Fargo, which means youโll have less 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 25.8% lower than in Fargo. - Income in Buffalo is 6.6% higher than in Fargo, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 65.3% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Buffalo, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 73.4% higher than in Fargo.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 163.89% higher than in Fargo.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 16.67% higher than in Fargo.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 275.86% higher than in Fargo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,959.77 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fargo.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Buffalo
| Buffalo | Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 125,990 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 49 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 56.17 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 121% greater than Fargo.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Fargo's lower score of 4.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Fargo with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Fargo's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Fargo, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo and Fargo have a similar crime rate.
- Buffalo and Fargo are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Fargo it's good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo 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 regulationsโsome 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in New York, though it\โs 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 toBuffalo 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
Now that youโve chosen "Queen City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Delaware District
- Downtown
- Parkside
- West Side
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Clarence Center
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Lancaster
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 Fargo to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Fargo to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Fargo 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 Fargo to Buffalo take?
The 1,174-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Buffalo, NY, takes two to eight days. Some Fargo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
