The best local movers for Buffalo to Ann Arbor moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Buffalo that also handles long-distance moves to Ann Arbor. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Buffalo who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Buffalo to Ann Arbor.
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Ann Arbor?
The average hourly rate for movers in New York is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $781 – $2,626 | $569 – $1,413 | $315 – $531 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,433 – $3,777 | $1,032 – $2,059 | $332 – $635 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,002 – $4,999 | $1,475 – $2,554 | $414 – $765 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Ann Arbor
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Ann Arbor will cost between $781 and $2,626. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Buffalo to Buffalo will range from $1,433 to $3,777, and a large move from Buffalo to Ann Arbor will cost from $2,002 to $4,999.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Ann Arbor
If you’re moving from Buffalo to Ann Arbor, expect to pay between $569 and $1,413 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,032 up to $2,059. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,475 and $2,554. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck from Buffalo to Ann Arbor 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 $315 and $531. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $332 and $635. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $414 up to $765 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Buffalo to Ann Arbor
The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,102, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,667.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Buffalo, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($315–$664) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Buffalo – roughly 16% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,589 in Buffalo. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $5,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Buffalo | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.25% |
- Rent is estimated to be 88% higher in Ann Arbor compared to Buffalo; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 123% greater in Ann Arbor than in Buffalo.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 6% higher in Ann Arbor than in Buffalo, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Ann Arbor. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 16% lower than in Buffalo.
- Choosing to move to Ann Arbor can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 7% less than in Buffalo.
- Ann Arbor enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 63% lower compared to Buffalo, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 31% in Ann Arbor compared to Buffalo, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 61% less in Michigan than in New York. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Buffalo and Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Ann Arbor
| Buffalo | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 71 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 56% less than Buffalo.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Buffalo, making them very similar.
- Ann Arbor is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor 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.
- Ann Arbor’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 31.0 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Buffalo with a safety index of 79.18 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Tree Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Ann Arbor has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Ann Arbor, such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Ann Arbor?
The best time to move from Buffalo to Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Buffalo to Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor take?
Moving from Buffalo, NY to Ann Arbor, covers 298 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Buffalo movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ann Arbor.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Buffalo?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 4 movers in Buffalo advertise piano moving expertise. State totals show 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Buffalo moving services
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