Highly rated local moving companies for Buffalo to Detroit moves
Organizing a move from Buffalo to Detroit can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating five local movers in Buffalo known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Buffalo to Detroit.
- 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 Detroit?
On average, moving companies in New York charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $757 – $2,607 | $614 – $1,449 | $273 – $513 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,333 – $3,860 | $1,093 – $2,047 | $320 – $644 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,871 – $5,186 | $1,413 – $2,485 | $400 – $766 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Detroit
When planning a move to Detroit from Buffalo, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $757 and $2,607. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,333 and $3,860 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,871 to $5,186.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Detroit
When you’re heading from Buffalo to Detroit, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $614 and $1,449. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,093 and $2,047. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,413 to $2,485. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New York easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Detroit
A moving rental truck from Buffalo to Detroit is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $273 to $513. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $320 to $644, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Buffalo to Detroit costs around $400 to $766.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Buffalo to Detroit
The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Buffalo to Detroit may only cost $1,057, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,297.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Buffalo.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($273–$667), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about -3% higher for singles and 17% higher for families than Buffalo.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Buffalo versus $2,589 in Buffalo; families pay $6,687 compared with $5,720.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Buffalo | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.25% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Detroit from Buffalo with rent being about the same in each state.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 66% cheaper in Detroit than in Buffalo.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 40% less in Detroit than in Buffalo.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Detroit and Buffalo, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- When considering a family move to Detroit, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 17% higher than in Buffalo.
- Detroit and Buffalo have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes are 31% cheaper in Detroit compared to Buffalo. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 61% less in Michigan compared to New York, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Buffalo versus Detroit:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Detroit.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Buffalo than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in Detroit.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Detroit
| Buffalo | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 52 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 130% greater than Buffalo.
- Detroit’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Buffalo, making them very similar.
- Detroit is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Buffalo, which has a score of 63.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 72.92 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 27.08 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Costs across Buffalo and Detroit are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Detroit. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Detroit
With your sights set on America’s Comeback City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Detroit. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Detroit is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Detroit?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Buffalo to Detroit. 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 Detroit?
Want to save on your move from Buffalo to Detroit? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Detroit take?
The 255-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Detroit, , takes one to four days. Some Buffalo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Detroit.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Buffalo?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 4 movers in Buffalo provide piano moving services. Statewide, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Buffalo moving services
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