($1,124) Cost to Move From Charleston, SC to Buffalo, NY

1. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
4. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. Cougar Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Buffalo

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Buffalo, you can expect to spend between $1,124 and $3,741. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,095 to $5,498 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Buffalo typically runs between $3,495 and $7,260.

Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Buffalo

When moving from Charleston to Buffalo, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $728 and $1,805. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,403 to $2,718. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,758 up to $3,555. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Buffalo

Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Buffalo. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $595 and $1,038. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $643 and $1,297. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $798 and $1,498.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 52% lower in Buffalo than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 62% lower in Buffalo than in Charleston.
• The average income in Buffalo and Charleston is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Buffalo, where the cost of living for a single person is 51% less than in Charleston.
• Moving to Buffalo could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 28% less than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 138% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are similar in Buffalo and Charleston (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 56% higher in New York compared to South Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Buffalo’s population is about 85% greater than Charleston.
• Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
• Buffalo is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
• With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 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 Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Buffalo and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 53.55 and 55.03.
• Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While New York doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Buffalo smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it’s time to see what Buffalo is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Buffalo offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo Beauts‎Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎Buffalo Bisons (minor league)‎Canisius Golden Griffins‎Columbus Destroyers game.