Best overall value
Local moving companies in Buffalo
- Bellhop Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- 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
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 #: 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
Key factors that impact the cost of your Buffalo to Chicago move
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Chicago
Moving from Buffalo to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago 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 | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,720 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.95% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 70% higher than in Buffalo.
- The home prices in Chicago are 38.6% 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 Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 12.8% higher than in Buffalo. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 40.9% higher than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 62.0% higher than in Buffalo.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 5.26% lower than in Buffalo.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 17.14% higher than what you are paying in Buffalo.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.59% lower than in Buffalo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,227.11 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Chicago
| Chicago | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 278,349 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 63 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 8.0 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 53.55 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chicago's population is about 887% greater than Buffalo.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Buffalo's lower 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 they are 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.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- 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: 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 check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
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
Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Buffalo to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Buffalo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Buffalo to Chicago moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Chicago take?
Covering 533 miles, the move from Buffalo, NY to Chicago, IL typically takes one to six days. Some Buffalo movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chicago can help bridge the gap.
