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Top local movers for Cleveland to Buffalo moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Cleveland that also provides long-distance services to Buffalo can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 28 local movers in Cleveland who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Cleveland to Buffalo.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Buffalo?
Movers in Ohio generally charge an average of $153 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $736 – $2,748 | $509 – $1,270 | $220 – $358 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,355 – $3,914 | $928 – $1,893 | $222 – $445 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,845 – $5,430 | $1,343 – $2,313 | $294 – $543 |
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to Buffalo
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to Buffalo typically costs between $736 and $2,748. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,355 and $3,914 when moving from Cleveland to Buffalo. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Cleveland to Buffalo, you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,845 up to $5,430.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to Buffalo
If you’re relocating from Cleveland to Buffalo, you’ll typically spend between $509 and $1,270 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $928 up to $1,893. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,343 and $2,313. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Buffalo
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Cleveland to Buffalo move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $220 and $358. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $222 to $445. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $294 and $543.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Cleveland to Buffalo
The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Cleveland to Buffalo might be as low as $1,047, while a four-bedroom could reach $4,463.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Cleveland.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $220 to $490 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Cleveland to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Buffalo runs about 4% higher for singles and -15% higher for families than Cleveland.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Cleveland versus $2,490 in Cleveland; families pay $5,720 compared with $6,729.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cleveland | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,338 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,733 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,490 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,729 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 10.9% |
- Good news! When moving to Buffalo from Cleveland, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 7% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 97% higher in Buffalo than in Cleveland.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Buffalo and Cleveland, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Buffalo and Cleveland, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to Buffalo could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 15% lower than in Cleveland.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo exceeds that of Cleveland by about 40%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo exceed those in Cleveland by 9%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 211% higher in New York than in Ohio. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Cleveland and Buffalo, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Cleveland | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.82 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.93 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.06 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Cleveland than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Buffalo
| Cleveland | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 57 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 63 |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 36.59 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 25% less than Cleveland.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Cleveland’s 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 it is 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 to Buffalo move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in New York, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Buffalo without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Buffalo
Ready to relocate to Queen City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Delaware District
- Lower West Side
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- Parkside
- West Side
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- East Aurora
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Billington Heights
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
Now that you’ve made the move to New York, it’s the perfect time to explore Buffalo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Buffalo include museums and art centers like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BeautsBuffalo Bills (AAFC)Buffalo Bisons (AHL)Buffalo Bisons (minor league)Canisius Golden GriffinsColumbus Destroyers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Buffalo?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Cleveland to Buffalo. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Cleveland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Buffalo?
With many people choosing to move from Cleveland to Buffalo in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Cleveland to Buffalo take?
Covering 194 miles, the move from Cleveland, OH to Buffalo, typically takes one to two days. Some Cleveland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Buffalo can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Cleveland offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in Cleveland offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Cleveland can handle specialty items for my move to Buffalo?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Cleveland, 17 movers can handle pianos. 11 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Cleveland moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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