($1,195) Moving from Chicago to Buffalo
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Buffalo costs $463 to $4,981 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 537-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Buffalo moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago 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 Chicago to Buffalo.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Buffalo?
Chicago movers charge $100 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 | $1,195 - $3,131 | $663 - $1,765 | $451 - $846 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,122 - $4,981 | $1,273 - $2,416 | $463 - $1,003 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,653 - $7,925 | $1,629 - $3,267 | $582 - $1,128 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Buffalo
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Buffalo can be as low as $1,195 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,903.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $451 to $1,068. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Buffalo?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Buffalo will cost between $1,195 to $3,131. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,122 to $4,981, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Buffalo will cost from $3,653 to $7,925.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Buffalo?
Moving containers from Chicago to Buffalo will cost you $663 to $1,765 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,273 to $2,416. A larger home will cost $1,629 to $3,267.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Buffalo?
Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $451 to $846. A larger move will cost $463 to $1,003, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Buffalo costs from $582 to $1,128. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Buffalo
Cost of living: Chicago vs Buffalo
| Chicago | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $63,443 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,022 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,645 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.5% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 25% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Buffalo are 30.3% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Buffalo is 3.3% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 2.1% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 1.7% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 5.56% higher than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo are 14.63% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,062.94 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Buffalo?
| Buffalo | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 90% less than Chicago.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Buffalo is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Buffalo is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 63 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 8.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 53.55 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Buffalo
- 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: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- 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 Buffalo. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
What to do in Buffalo
These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
- Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
- Canalside
- Buffalo City Hall
- Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
- KeyBank Center
- Pierce-Arrow Museum
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
- Sahlen Field
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Get your sports on!
Buffalo is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Buffalo Bandits
- Buffalo Beauts
- Buffalo Bills (AAFC)
- Buffalo Bisons (AHL)
- Buffalo Bisons (minor league)
- Canisius Golden Griffins
- Columbus Destroyers
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Chicago to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Buffalo in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Buffalo take?
The 537-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Buffalo, NY, takes one-six days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
