Local moving companies in Buffalo
Out of 5 Buffalo movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Best Buffalo Movers : 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Pryority Movers : 4.02 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 #: 779
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 40835
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Bulldog Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 41063
Years in Business: 6
Alternate Names: Pryority Delivery Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Buffalo, NY
At a glance, the number of Buffalo movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Buffalo, NY to Illinois
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Buffalo to Illinois with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $985 – $3,258 | $720 – $1,689 | $459 – $868 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,947 – $5,000 | $1,271 – $2,533 | $521 – $1,030 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,186 – $7,162 | $1,649 – $3,153 | $657 – $1,324 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 660-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Illinois typically costs between $985 and $3,258. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,947 and $5,000. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,186 up to $7,162.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Buffalo to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $720 and $1,689 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,271 up to $2,533. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,649 and $3,153. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Buffalo.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Buffalo to Illinois, expect to pay between $459 and $868. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $521 to $1,030. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $657 and $1,324.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Buffalo to IL
The cost of a move in Buffalo can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Buffalo often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Buffalo to IL
When you move to Illinois from Buffalo, NY, expect living costs to be largely equivalent. Your financial planning may not require significant changes, yet it’s advisable to analyze the expenses to pinpoint any minor discrepancies.
Compare cost of living: Buffalo vs. Illinois
| Buffalo, NY | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,200 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $213,418 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Illinois and Buffalo is roughly equal, so you shouldn’t need to change your budget much.
- You’ll spend roughly 17% more on housing in Illinois compared to Buffalo, so plan for a larger mortgage.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 24% higher in Illinois than in Buffalo, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- Since cost of living levels are so similar in Illinois and Buffalo, you won’t see much financial change after relocating.
- The unemployment rate in Illinois is around 44% lower than in Buffalo, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Illinois’s income tax rates are about 55% lower than New York’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Buffalo, NY from Illinois
When planning a move from Buffalo to Illinois, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Buffalo behind for life in Illinois.
| Buffalo, NY | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-42 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 39″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 85″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Buffalo and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 81ºF in Buffalo. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- In the coldest months, Illinois averages 17ºF and Buffalo sees about 17ºF. With such similar winter lows, your lifestyle and expenses should remain steady between the two.
- In Illinois, expect around 40 inches of rainfall yearly, much like the 39 inches you’ve seen in Buffalo. Your overall experience shouldn’t change much, though the seasonal rhythm of rain may differ.
- In Illinois, it only snows about 22 inches annually while Buffalo gets 85 inches. Moving to Illinois, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Illinois posts a higher crime index of 19.7 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. It’s worth checking local data and preparing for a potentially more challenging safety environment.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Buffalo to Illinois, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- 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, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one 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 your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. 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: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Illinois has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Buffalo to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from Buffalo, NY, to Illinois ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to six days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Buffalo offer custom-built crate services?
Three movers in Buffalo list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Buffalo mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Buffalo to Illinois?
Need to ship your car from Buffalo to Illinois? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from New York to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Buffalo to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Buffalo?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Buffalo.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Buffalo, NY?
There aren’t any movers in Buffalo that currently accept cash. That’s because the industry generally favors payment types that create a clear record, like cards or ACH. For residential moves, you’ll usually pay a deposit to confirm your booking. The balance is then settled at pickup or after delivery—ask your mover which methods and timelines they support.
Helpful moving resources
New York moving services
Popular New York routes
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