Factors influencing moving costs from Cleveland to Buffalotoggle

The cost of Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Buffalo can be as low as $834 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 5,203.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cleveland, 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 $248 to $529. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cleveland to Buffalo

Moving from Cleveland to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Cleveland, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Cleveland Buffalo
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,200
Average home value $108,509 $213,418
Average income (per capita) $64,965 $63,443
Cost of living (single person) $2,490 $2,589
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,729 $5,720
Unemployment rate 6.8% 9.5%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.75%
State income tax 3.5% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Buffalo are 7% lower than in Cleveland, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Cleveland.
    Home prices in Buffalo are 96.7% higher than in Cleveland.
  • Income in Buffalo is 2.3% lower than in Cleveland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 4.0% higher than in Cleveland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 15.0% lower than in Cleveland.
  • The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 39.71% higher than in Cleveland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Buffalo are 9.38% higher than in Cleveland.
  • State income taxes in Buffalo are 211.43% higher than in Cleveland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,119.28 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.

How life is different in Cleveland vs. Buffalo

Buffalo Cleveland
Population 278,349 372,624
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 67 57
Bike friendliness score 63 52
Crime Index 8.0 63.41
Safety Index 53.55 36.59
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Buffalo's population is about 25% less than Cleveland.
  • Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Cleveland's higher score of 8.
  • Buffalo is more walkable than Cleveland with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Cleveland's 57 out of 100.
  • With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Cleveland, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Cleveland with a score of 8.0 compared to Cleveland's 63.41. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41%.
  • Buffalo is considered to be safer than Cleveland with a safety index of 53.55 vs Cleveland's 36.59.
  • Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Cleveland it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Cleveland vs. Buffalo move

  • Weather: Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
  • 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in New York, 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 toBuffalo Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 Buffalo

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allentown
  • Lower West Side
  • Elmwood Strip
  • Downtown
  • West Side

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Harris Hill
  • Kenmore
  • Grandyle Village
  • Billington Heights
  • Lancaster

Things to do in Buffalo

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

  • Arts and culture: Buffalo is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Burchfield Penney Art Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina 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 Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beautsโ€Ž, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)โ€Ž, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)โ€Ž game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Cleveland to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Cleveland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Buffalo?

Because most people are moving from Cleveland to Buffalo 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 Cleveland to Buffalo take?

The 189-mile move from Cleveland, OH, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to two days. Some Cleveland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.

Helpful moving resources