($773+) Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $773 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,639 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,346 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,901, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,639 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,275 - $4,633, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $773 - $2,166.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Buffalo, NY, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,399 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Buffalo to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,399 - $5,886 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 28% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 61% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,346 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,346-mile route from Buffalo to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,901 - $4,486 | $1,275 - $2,426 | $773 - $1,539 | $1,102 - $2,269 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,399 - $5,886 | $1,728 - $3,217 | $924 - $1,794 | $1,356 - $2,735 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,366 - $7,639 | $2,345 - $4,633 | $1,062 - $2,166 | $1,858 - $3,386 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,346-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Lafayette, Louisiana, with costs ranging from $1,901 - $7,639. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $274 - $1,824. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Buffalo and Lafayette. Local movers in Buffalo typically start around $341 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Buffalo to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,901 - $4,486
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,399 - $5,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,366 - $7,639
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Buffalo to Lafayette.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Buffalo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lafayette, 40% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $456 - $4,560 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $182 - $1,094/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $274 - $2,189 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $912 - $2,736 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,280 - $9,120 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $683 - $1,298 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $912 - $2,280 |
| Piano | Any piano type63% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Wayfinder Moving Services | $730 - $3,192 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $274 - $1,368 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Best Buffalo Movers | $593 - $1,824 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $274 - $13,680+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $274 - $3,192+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Buffalo to Lafayette?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Buffalo, NY, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Buffalo, New York, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,275 and $4,633. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Buffalo typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Buffalo to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $2,426
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,728 - $3,217
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,345 - $4,633
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $68 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $137 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $638 in Buffalo, NY, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Lafayette, LA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,275. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,728 - $3,217.
What are the best moving containers Buffalo to Lafayette?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Buffalo to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Buffalo:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 24 years in business
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA
A rental truck for this 1,346-mile move from Buffalo, New York, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $773 and $2,166. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $391 - $446
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Buffalo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Buffalo to Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $773 - $1,539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $924 - $1,794
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,062 - $2,166
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $773 - $2,166 does not include fuel ($391 - $446), lodging ($137/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Buffalo to Lafayette typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Buffalo, New York, usually costs about $638 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,346-mile drive falls between $391 and $446, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $46 and $274 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Lafayette?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Buffalo, New York, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Lafayette, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,356 and $2,735.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Buffalo to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,102 - $2,269
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,735
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,858 - $3,386
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Buffalo, New York, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $638.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $68 and $137 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Buffalo to Lafayette?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Buffalo to Lafayette, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Buffalo, NY vs Lafayette, LA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Buffalo and Lafayette to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 90. Average rent: $1,200/mo vs. $2,825/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 67 vs. 42. Safety index: 53.55 vs. 54.25.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette, LA to Buffalo, NY guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Louisiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 520 movers in our New York network to compare for this 1,346-mile move.
Our take
The 1,346-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Lafayette, LA, costs between $1,901 and $7,639 with full-service movers, $1,275 - $4,633 with a moving container, and $773 - $2,166 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,399 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Buffalo, NY, to Lafayette, LA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($391 - $446), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $137/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Lafayette?
Lafayette has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 67 and 63 in Buffalo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $773 to $7,639, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,901 and $7,639, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Buffalo, NY to Lafayette, LA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Buffalo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 63% of movers in Buffalo handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.