($1,350) Movers From California to Buffalo

Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Buffalo, NY averages from $1,643 to $7,578 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Buffalo, NY to California guide.

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Moving from California to Buffalo, NY resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Buffalo, NY.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best California to Buffalo, NY movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Buffalo, NY.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • California to Buffalo, NY car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 2,661 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Buffalo, NY moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Buffalo is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Buffalo.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from California to Buffalo, NY?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Buffalo for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,350 - $5,813 $1,461 - $3,568 $1,547 - $2,999
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,813 - $7,578 $2,393 - $5,094 $1,643 - $3,465
4+ bedrooms $7,172 - $11,984 $3,299 - $7,009 $2,160 - $4,381

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,661 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from California to Buffalo, NY will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Buffalo?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Buffalo will cost between $1,350 to $5,813. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Buffalo will range from $3,813 to $7,578, and a large move from California to Buffalo will cost from $7,172 to $11,984.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Buffalo?

Moving containers from California to Buffalo will cost you $1,461 to $3,568 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,393 to $5,094. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,299 to $7,009.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Buffalo.

How much is a moving truck from California to Buffalo?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Buffalo, 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 $1,547 to $2,999. A larger move will cost $1,643 to $3,465, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Buffalo costs from $2,160 to $4,381. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.

Is moving from California to Buffalo, NY a good idea?

Cost of living: California vs Buffalo, NY

California Buffalo
Average rent cost $1,586 $1,200
Average home value $746,055 $213,418
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $63,443
Unemployment rate 5% 10%
State income tax 13% 11%
  • Rent is about 24% less expensive in Buffalo than in California.
  • Home prices are about 71% lower in Buffalo than in California.
  • The average income is about 31% lower in Buffalo than in California.
  • Buffalo has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 98%.
  • Income taxes are 18% lower in Buffalo than in California.

How is life different in Buffalo from California?

Buffalo California
Population 278,349 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 57-42 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 81ºF 87ºF
Winter low 17ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 39" 22"
Annual snow 85" 7"
Crime index 8.0 27.88
  • The population of Buffalo is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Buffalo voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Buffalo is 81ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Buffalo reaches the temperature of 17ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 39 inches of annual rainfall in Buffalo vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Buffalo, it snows about 85 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Buffalo has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 8.0.

Considerations for moving to Buffalo, NY

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to New York. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Grace Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351
(209) 551-7772
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828
(916) 596-9374

Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local Buffalo mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Corrigan Moving Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
1845 Dale Rd, Buffalo, NY, 14225
(716) 897-0700
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
3860 Broadway a1 , Cheektowaga, NY, 14227
(716) 245-4275

Visit our best movers in Buffalo page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Buffalo?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Buffalo.

Museums in Buffalo

  • Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Pierce-Arrow Museum
  • Albright-Knox Art Gallery
  • Buffalo Museum of Science
  • Burchfield Penney Art Center
  • The Buffalo History Museum
  • Iron Island Museum
  • Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, JR. Children's Museum
  • Western New York Book Arts Center
  • Buffalo Religious Arts Center

Parks in Buffalo

  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
  • The Buffalo Zoo
  • Delaware Park
  • Erie Basin Marina
  • Tifft Nature Preserve
  • Larkin Square
  • Lafayette Square
  • Cazenovia Park
  • NFTA Small Boat Harbor Marina

Sports Teams in Buffalo

  • Buffalo Bandits
  • Buffalo Beauts‎
  • Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎
  • Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎
  • Buffalo Bisons (minor league)‎
  • Canisius Golden Griffins‎
  • Columbus Destroyers

Universities in Buffalo

  • Bryant and Stratton College Buffalo
  • Erie Community College
  • Canisius College
  • Medaille College
  • SUNY College at Buffalo
  • Trocaire College
  • Villa Maria College
  • University at Buffalo

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Buffalo?

Because of the 2661-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Buffalo as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Buffalo, NY?

With the summer highs of 81ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF, most people move to Buffalo from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Buffalo during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Buffalo?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Buffalo.

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