Moving from Buffalo, NY to California: Movers and Cost

Last Updated: Jan 28, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Buffalo, NY to California averages from $2,182 to $7,982 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Buffalo, NY guide.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to California. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Best Buffalo, NY to California movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Buffalo to California.
How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
Buffalo, NY to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 2,654 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Buffalo, NY to California?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,332 - $5,617	$2,004 - $3,432	$2,014 - $2,651
2 - 3 bedrooms	$3,975 - $7,982	$3,525 - $5,364	$2,182 - $3,155
4+ bedrooms	$7,480 - $12,368	$4,874 - $6,910	$2,784 - $3,876

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,654 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 Buffalo, NY to California will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Pick from the Best Buffalo to California Movers

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Buffalo, NY to California?

To ship furniture from Buffalo to California with a mover will cost between $1,332 to $5,617. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Queen City to CA will range from $3,975 to $7,982, and a large move from Buffalo to California will cost from $7,480 to $12,368.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Buffalo, NY to California?

Moving pods from Buffalo to California will cost you $2,004 to $3,432 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,525 to $5,364. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,874 to $6,910.

How much is a moving truck from Buffalo, NY to California?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $2,014 to $2,651. A larger move will cost $2,182 to $3,155, and a 4+ bedroom move from Buffalo to California costs from $2,784 to $3,876.

How to ship a car from Buffalo, NY to California

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Buffalo to California car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Buffalo, NY to California a good idea?

If you’re moving to California from Buffalo, NY, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs California

	Buffalo, NY	California
Average rent cost	$1,050	$1,503
Average home cost	$214,262	$758,360
Average income (per capita)	$61,042	$78,672
Unemployment rate	9.5%	5.8%
State Income Tax	10.9%	13.3%

Buffalo sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 35% more expensive in California than in Buffalo.
Home prices are about 142.7% higher in California than in Buffalo.
The average income is about 24.8% higher in California than in Buffalo.
California has a lower unemployment rate than Buffalo by about 69.8%.
Income taxes are 22.02% higher in California than in Buffalo.

How is life different in Buffalo, NY from California?

	Buffalo, NY	California
Population	278,349	39,237,836
Political leaning	Democratic 57-42	Democratic 63-34
Summer High	81ºF	87ºF
Winter Low	17ºF	59ºF
Annual Rain	39"	22"
Annual Snow	85"	7"
Crime Index	8.0	25.7

Buffalo sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces

The population of California is approximately 13,997% greater than the population of Buffalo.
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Buffalo voted Democratic.
The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Buffalo, it’s 81ºF.
During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Buffalo gets down to 17ºF.
You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 39 inches of rainfall in Buffalo.
In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 85 inches of snow in Buffalo.
California has a higher crime rate than Buffalo with a crime index of 25.7 vs 8.0.

Considerations for moving to California

Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
Moving Permits: California 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 forward to . Get started here.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Buffalo movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Wayfinder Moving Services	Get A Quote	4.52 overall rating	75 Comet Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14216 (716) 832-6683
Diamond Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.38 overall rating	1440 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14209 (716) 710-6640
Two Men and a Truck	Get A Quote	4.38 overall rating	364 Nagel Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225 (716) 245-4275