Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Buffalo moves
Organizing a move from Columbia 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 seven local movers in Columbia 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 Columbia to Buffalo.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Buffalo?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 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 | $1,046 – $3,833 | $745 – $1,714 | $537 – $1,050 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,210 – $5,167 | $1,314 – $2,764 | $579 – $1,176 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,691 – $7,061 | $1,851 – $3,462 | $755 – $1,368 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Buffalo
When planning a move to Buffalo from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,046 and $3,833. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,210 and $5,167 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,691 to $7,061.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Buffalo
When you’re heading from Columbia to Buffalo, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $745 and $1,714. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,314 and $2,764. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,851 to $3,462. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Buffalo
A moving rental truck from Columbia 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 $537 to $1,050. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $579 to $1,176, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Buffalo costs around $755 to $1,368.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Buffalo
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Buffalo may only cost $1,792, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,433.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($537–$1,360), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Buffalo runs about 32% higher for singles and 34% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,720 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 10.9% |
- Rent is about 17% less expensive in Buffalo than in Columbia, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Buffalo and Columbia, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Buffalo and Columbia are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Buffalo, with the cost of living for a single person being 32% more than in Columbia. 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 34% higher than in Columbia.
- Buffalo has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 83%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo surpass those in Columbia by 9%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 56% more in New York than in South Carolina. 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 Columbia versus Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Buffalo.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Buffalo
| Columbia | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 63 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 104% greater than Columbia.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 8.0 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 53.55 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia 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 Columbia to Buffalo?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Buffalo. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Buffalo?
Want to save on your move from Columbia 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 Columbia to Buffalo take?
The 751-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Buffalo, , takes two to seven days. Some Columbia 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 Columbia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbia provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 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
Columbia moving services
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