Factors influencing moving costs from Buffalo to Cincinnatitoggle

The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Buffalo to Cincinnati can be as low as $1,193 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,209.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Buffalo, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $444 to $1,073. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Buffalo to Cincinnati

Moving from Buffalo to Cincinnati means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Buffalo than in Cincinnati, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Buffalo compares to Cincinnati so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Buffalo Cincinnati
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,450
Average home value $213,418 $232,735
Average income (per capita) $63,443 $65,682
Cost of living (single person) $2,589 $2,467
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,720 $6,418
Unemployment rate 9.5% 4.9%
Sales tax 8.75% 6.5%
State income tax 10.9% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cincinnati are 21% higher than in Buffalo, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
    Home prices in Cincinnati are 9.1% higher than in Buffalo.
  • Income in Cincinnati is 3.5% higher than in Buffalo, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, First Student, and Macy's.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Cincinnati is 4.7% lower than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Cincinnati, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 12.2% higher than in Buffalo.
  • The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 48.42% lower than in Buffalo.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Cincinnati, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Cincinnati are 25.71% lower than in Buffalo.
  • One perk of moving to Cincinnati is paying less in state income taxes, which are 67.89% lower than in Buffalo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,858.63 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How life is different in Buffalo vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati Buffalo
Population 309,317 278,349
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 49 67
Bike friendliness score 36 63
Crime Index 48.47 8.0
Safety Index 49.53 53.55
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Cincinnati's population is about 11% greater than Buffalo.
  • Cincinnati's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Buffalo's higher score of 7.
  • Cincinnati is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 67 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati has a bike-friendliness score 36 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Buffalo, which has a score of 63 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 48.47 compared to Buffalo's 8.0. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
  • Cincinnati is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 49.53 vs Buffalo's 53.55.
  • Air quality in Cincinnati is good, and in Buffalo it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Buffalo vs. Cincinnati move

  • Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Ohio, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • 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 toCincinnati Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Cincinnati

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Blue Chip City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Business District
  • Clifton
  • Columbia-Tusculum
  • Oakley
  • Over-The-Rhine

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Hyde Park
  • Mount Adams
  • Mount Lookout
  • Oakley
  • Pleasant Ridge

Things to do in Cincinnati

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Cincinnati has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Cincinnati is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Betts House, and Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Cincinnati?

The best time to move from Buffalo to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Because most people are moving from Buffalo to Cincinnati in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Buffalo to Cincinnati take?

The 432-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Cincinnati, OH, 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 Cincinnati.

Helpful moving resources