Quick answer: A move from Buffalo to Los Angeles costs $1,995–$8,742 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,537-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to Buffalo guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Buffalo to Los Angeles
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Buffalo to Los Angeles can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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 NY to CA move
Local movers servicing Buffalo to Los Angeles moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Buffalo that also provides long-distance services to Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Buffalo who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Buffalo to Los Angeles.
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 40318
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3104397
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 40835
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Bulldog Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 32014
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1498819
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 34026
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2256609
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Los Angeles?
Buffalo movers charge $200 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 | $1,414 - $6,034 | $1,661 - $4,298 | $1,808 - $3,259 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,959 - $8,742 | $2,921 - $6,137 | $1,995 - $4,247 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,444 - $12,875 | $4,225 - $8,763 | $2,303 - $5,261 |
Cost to hire movers from New York to California
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York to California, you can expect to spend between $1,414 and $6,034. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,959 to $8,742 on the same route (NY to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New York to California typically runs between $7,444 and $12,875.
Cost of moving containers from New York to California
Moving containers from New York to California will cost you $1,661 to $4,298 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,921 to $6,137. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,225 to $8,763. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,808 and $3,259. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,995 and $4,247. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,303 up to $5,261 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Buffalo to Los Angeles
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Los Angeles
Moving from Buffalo to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Buffalo, 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:
Buffalo | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,200 | $2,960 |
Average home value | $213,418 | $2,368,088 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $74,993 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $3,922 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,720 | $9,213 |
Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.5% |
State income tax | 10.9% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 147% higher than in Buffalo.
- The home prices in Los Angeles are 1,009.6% higher than in Buffalo, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Los Angeles, where incomes are, on average, 18.2% higher than in Buffalo. Major employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 51.5% higher than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 61.1% higher than in Buffalo.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 11.58% higher than in Buffalo.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 8.57% higher than what you are paying in Buffalo.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 22.02% higher than in Buffalo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,544.61 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Los Angeles
Los Angeles | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 3,820,914 | 278,349 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 7 |
Walkability score | 69 | 67 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 63 |
Crime Index | 53.81 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 46.19 | 53.55 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- The population of Los Angeles is about 1,273% greater than Buffalo, 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.
- Los Angeles offers better access to buses and trains than Buffalo, based on public transportation ratings. Los Angeles has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Buffalo. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- You'll find Los Angeles to be about as walkable as Buffalo. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 69 and 67 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Los Angeles, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Buffalo. While Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score of 63 out of 100, Los Angeles earned a 59. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Los Angeles is higher than in Buffalo, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 53.81 in Los Angeles, it is 8.0 in Buffalo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Los Angeles. With a crime index of 46.19, Los Angeles ranks lower in overall safety than Buffalo, whose index is 53.55. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Los Angeles and Buffalo is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo vs. Los Angeles move
- Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 Los Angeles. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Now that you've decided to make the move to City of Angels, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Los Angeles has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Los Angeles?
The best time to move from Buffalo to Los Angeles is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Buffalo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Los Angeles?
With many people choosing to move from Buffalo to Los Angeles in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Los Angeles take?
The 2,537-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Los Angeles, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Buffalo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.