Key factors that impact the cost of your Buffalo to Ontario movetoggle

The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Buffalo to Ontario (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,331, while larger moves may reach $11,365 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Buffalo.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,622 to $4,271, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Buffalo to Ontario

Moving from Buffalo to Ontario means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Buffalo than in Ontario, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Buffalo compares to Ontario so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Buffalo Ontario
Average rent cost $1,200 $2,619
Average home value $213,418 $668,089
Average income (per capita) $63,443 $71,908
Cost of living (single person) $2,589 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,720 $5,793
Unemployment rate 9.5% 6.9%
Sales tax 8.75% 8.75%
State income tax 10.9% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Ontario are 118% higher than in Buffalo, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
    Home prices in Ontario are 213.0% higher than in Buffalo.
  • Income in Ontario is 13.3% higher than in Buffalo, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 4.5% lower than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Ontario, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 1.3% higher than in Buffalo.
  • The unemployment rate in Ontario is 27.37% lower than in Buffalo.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Ontario and Buffalo.
  • State income taxes in Ontario are 22.02% higher than in Buffalo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,865.59 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How life is different in Buffalo vs. Ontario

Ontario Buffalo
Population 175,265 278,349
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 48 67
Bike friendliness score 46 63
Crime Index 50.25 8.0
Safety Index 49.75 53.55
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Ontario might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 37% less than Buffalo.
  • Getting around Ontario without a car might be more difficult than in Buffalo. Ontario has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Buffalo is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Ontario neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Buffalo. Based on its score of 48 out of 100, Ontario isnโ€™t as walkable as Buffalo, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Ontario, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Buffalo. While Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score of 63 out of 100, Ontario earned a 46. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Ontario is higher than in Buffalo, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.25 in Ontario, it is 8.0 in Buffalo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • Ontario is generally as safe as Buffalo, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Ontario has better air quality than in Buffalo. Ontario has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Buffalo. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Buffalo vs. Ontario move

  • Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
  • 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 regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™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 toOntario Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Ontario

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Ontario to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Ontario
  • Piemonte
  • Ontario Ranch
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Upland

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Creekside
  • Parkview
  • Ontario Ranch
  • College Park
  • Downtown Ontario

Things to do in Ontario

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Ontario has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Ontario is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Ontario?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Ontario are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Ontario?

With many people choosing to move from Buffalo to Ontario 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 Buffalo to Ontario take?

Moving from Buffalo, NY to Ontario, CA covers 2,502 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Buffalo movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ontario.

Helpful moving resources