Highly rated local moving companies for Harrisburg to Buffalo moves
Organizing a move from Harrisburg to Buffalo can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 18 local movers in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Buffalo.
- Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Maya’s Movers LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 702302
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 10676
Alternate Names: Harrisburg Storage Co. , M.F. Rockey Moving Company , Penn Hershey Transfer , Harrisburg Transfer Company , George W. Weaver
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8921736
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3214709
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8920233
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3011826
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8921045
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3128183
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to Buffalo?
On average, moving companies in Pennsylvania charge about $143 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 | $876 – $2,802 | $587 – $1,484 | $315 – $553 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,531 – $4,113 | $1,118 – $2,079 | $332 – $642 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,159 – $5,845 | $1,447 – $2,451 | $414 – $742 |
Cost to hire movers from Harrisburg to Buffalo
When planning a move to Buffalo from Harrisburg, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $876 and $2,802. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,531 and $4,113 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,159 to $5,845.
Cost of moving containers from Harrisburg to Buffalo
When you’re heading from Harrisburg to Buffalo, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $587 and $1,484. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,118 and $2,079. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,447 to $2,451. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Buffalo
A moving rental truck from Harrisburg to Buffalo 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 $315 to $553. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $332 to $642, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Harrisburg to Buffalo costs around $414 to $742.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Harrisburg to Buffalo
The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Harrisburg to Buffalo may only cost $1,118, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,740.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Harrisburg.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($315–$671), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Buffalo runs about 40% higher for singles and 58% higher for families than Harrisburg.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Harrisburg versus $1,849 in Harrisburg; families pay $5,720 compared with $3,612.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Harrisburg | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,550 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,946 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $230,038 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,256 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,849 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,612 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Buffalo from Harrisburg with rent being about the same in each state.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 7% cheaper in Buffalo than in Harrisburg.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 13% less in Buffalo than in Harrisburg.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Buffalo, with the cost of living for a single person being 40% more than in Harrisburg. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Buffalo, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 58% higher than in Harrisburg.
- Buffalo has a lower unemployment rate than Harrisburg by about 29%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo surpass those in Harrisburg by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 255% more in New York than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Harrisburg versus Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Harrisburg | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.00 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.72 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $27.50 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Harrisburg than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Harrisburg than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in Harrisburg than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Harrisburg than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Harrisburg than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Harrisburg than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Harrisburg than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Buffalo
| Harrisburg | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,099 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 68 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 57 | 63 |
| Crime index | 64.18 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 35.82 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 456% greater than Harrisburg.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Harrisburg’s score of 6.
- Buffalo and Harrisburg are similarly 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 it is 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 to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: Costs across Harrisburg and Buffalo 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: 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in New York, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, 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 Buffalo. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
With your sights set on Queen City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing Buffalo. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- 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, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — 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 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 Harrisburg to Buffalo?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Harrisburg to Buffalo. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Harrisburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to Buffalo?
Want to save on your move from Harrisburg to Buffalo? 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 Harrisburg to Buffalo take?
The 291-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Buffalo, , 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.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Harrisburg?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 14 movers in Harrisburg provide piano moving services. 9 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 55 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
Harrisburg moving services
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