Quick answer: A typical 425-mile move from Charleston to Buffalo runs $534–$6,273 and takes one to four days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Charleston guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Charleston to Buffalo
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Charleston to go to Buffalo can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to NY move
Local moving companies servicing Charleston to Buffalo moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Buffalo, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Buffalo.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.9 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Buffalo?
Charleston movers charge $141 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,447 - $3,948 | $819 - $1,985 | $471 - $903 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,482 - $6,273 | $1,407 - $2,872 | $534 - $1,071 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,025 - $9,071 | $2,023 - $3,783 | $664 - $1,176 |
Cost to hire movers from West Virginia to New York
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from West Virginia to New York, you can expect prices to land between $1,447 and $3,948. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,482 to $6,273 for the trip from WV to NY. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $4,025 and $9,071.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to New York
If you're relocating from West Virginia to New York, you'll typically spend between $819 and $1,985 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,407 up to $2,872. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,023 and $3,783. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to New York
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $471 and $903 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $534 to $1,071. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $664 to $1,176.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Charleston to Buffalo
Moving from Charleston to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Charleston, 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:
Charleston | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $213,418 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $63,443 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $2,589 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $5,720 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.5% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 10.9% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Buffalo, since prices are typically 37% higher than in Charleston.
- The home prices in Buffalo are 38.9% higher than in Charleston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Buffalo, where incomes are, on average, 6.9% higher than in Charleston. Major 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 67.1% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you'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 48.1% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 53.23% higher than in Charleston.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Buffalo, since its sales taxes are 25.00% higher than what you are paying in Charleston.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 67.69% higher than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,014.20 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Buffalo
Buffalo | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 278,349 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 2 |
Walkability score | 67 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 63 | 28 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 53.55 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 480% greater than Charleston.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 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 Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 53.55 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston 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's public 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 to Buffalo 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
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
- Elmwood Strip
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clarence Center
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Billington Heights
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
Once you're settled into your new home in New York, it's time to get out and discover what Buffalo has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Buffalo include museums and art centers like 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 city's Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beauts, Buffalo Bills (AAFC), or Buffalo Bisons (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Charleston to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Buffalo?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Buffalo in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Buffalo take?
The 425-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.