($1,115) Movers From Philadelphia, PA to Buffalo, NY

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Buffalo

Moving from Philadelphia to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it’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:

• Rent prices in Buffalo are 29% lower than in Philadelphia, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
  Home prices in Buffalo are 1.6% lower than in Philadelphia.
• Income in Buffalo is 10.3% lower than in Philadelphia, 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 1.9% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 7.6% lower than in Philadelphia.
• The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 10.38% lower than in Philadelphia.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the city’s sales taxes in Buffalo are 9.38% higher than in Philadelphia.
• State income taxes in Buffalo are 255.05% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,056.67 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Buffalo

• Buffalo's population is about 83% less than Philadelphia.
• Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
• Buffalo is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
• Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score 63 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
• Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 8.0 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
• Buffalo is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 53.55 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
• Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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 regulations—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\’s license by visiting the state'spublic 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: 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 you’ve chosen "Queen City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo to check out.

Helpful moving resources