($1,027) Cost to Move From Buffalo, NY to Chicago, IL

1. Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
4. Best Buffalo Movers : 3.98 out of 5 stars
5. Pryority Movers : 4.02 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Chicago

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $1,027 and $2,798. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,733 to $4,453 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Buffalo to Chicago typically runs between $3,264 and $6,668.

Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Chicago

When moving from Buffalo to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $706 and $1,603. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,202 to $2,468. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,666 up to $3,148. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Chicago

Renting a moving truck in Buffalo is usually your cheapest option to get to Chicago. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $434 and $807. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $455 and $882. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $539 and $1,075.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Chicago, note that rent can be roughly 70% more expensive than it is in Buffalo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 39% higher in Chicago than in Buffalo.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 13% higher in Chicago compared to Buffalo, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person is 41% more than in Buffalo. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 62% more than it is in Buffalo.
• Both Chicago and Buffalo present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
• Sales taxes are 17% higher in Chicago than in Buffalo. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 55% lower in Illinois compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Chicago’s population is about 887% greater than Buffalo.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Buffalo’s score of 7.
• Chicago is more walkable than Buffalo with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Buffalo, which has a score of 63 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 35.19 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 33.87 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it’s time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.