Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Buffalotoggle

The cost of Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Buffalo can be as low as $1,056 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,244.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, 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 $354 to $808. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Buffalo

Moving from Harrisburg to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, 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:

Harrisburg Buffalo
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,200
Average home value $230,038 $213,418
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $63,443
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $2,589
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $5,720
Unemployment rate 13.4% 9.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.75%
State income tax 3.07% 10.9%
  • Rent prices are the same in Buffalo and Harrisburg.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
    Home prices in Buffalo are 7.2% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Buffalo is 13.4% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 40.0% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Buffalo, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 58.4% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 29.10% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Buffalo are 45.83% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Buffalo are 255.05% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,200.65 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Buffalo

Buffalo Harrisburg
Population 278,349 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 6
Walkability score 67 68
Bike friendliness score 63 57
Crime Index 8.0 64.18
Safety Index 53.55 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Buffalo's population is about 456% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's lower score of 6.
  • Buffalo and Harrisburg are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 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 Harrisburg with a score of 8.0 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Buffalo is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 53.55 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg 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
  • Parkside
  • West Side
  • North Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clarence Center
  • Grandyle Village
  • Billington Heights
  • Rapids
  • Lancaster

Things to do in Buffalo

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in New York, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Buffalo has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Buffalo features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Harrisburg to Buffalo?

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

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

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

The 291-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to four days. Some Harrisburg 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