($1,087) Moving from Buffalo to Chicago
Quick answer: A move from Buffalo to Chicago costs $472 to $4,767 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 533-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Buffalo 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 Chicago to Buffalo guide.
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The best Buffalo to Chicago moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Buffalo to Chicago 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 Buffalo to Chicago.
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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 Buffalo to Chicago?
Buffalo movers charge $200 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 | $1,087 - $2,905 | $677 - $1,714 | $425 - $781 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,874 - $4,767 | $1,261 - $2,343 | $472 - $974 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,355 - $6,850 | $1,595 - $3,204 | $564 - $1,151 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Buffalo to Chicago
The cost of Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Chicago can be as low as $1,087 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,856.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Buffalo, 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 $425 to $1,089. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Buffalo to Chicago?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Chicago will cost between $1,087 to $2,905. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,874 to $4,767, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Buffalo to Chicago will cost from $3,355 to $6,850.
How much are moving container companies from Buffalo to Chicago?
Moving containers from Buffalo to Chicago will cost you $677 to $1,714 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,261 to $2,343. A larger home will cost $1,595 to $3,204.
How much is a moving truck from Buffalo to Chicago?
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 $425 to $781. A larger move will cost $472 to $974, and a four-bedroom move from Buffalo to Chicago costs from $564 to $1,151. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Buffalo to Chicago
Cost of living: Buffalo vs Chicago
| Buffalo | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,595 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $306,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $65,601 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,022 | $1,001 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,645 | $3,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 9.0% |
| Sales Tax | 8.75% | 10.25% |
| State Income Tax | 10.9% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 33% higher than in Buffalo.
- Home prices in Chicago are 43.4% higher than in Buffalo.
- Income in Chicago is 3.4% higher than in Buffalo.
- The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 2.1% lower than in Buffalo.
- The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 1.7% lower than in Buffalo.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 5.26% lower than in Buffalo.
- Sales taxes in Chicago are 17.14% higher than in Buffalo.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 54.59% lower than in Buffalo.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,938.36 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.
How is life different in Buffalo compared to Chicago?
| Chicago | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 278,349 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 63 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 8.0 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 53.55 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chicago's population is about 887% greater than Buffalo.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Buffalo's higher score of 7.
- Chicago is more walkable than Buffalo with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 67 out of 100.
- Chicago is more bike-friendly than Buffalo with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 63.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 35.19 compared to Buffalo's 8.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 33.87 vs Buffalo's 53.55.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Buffalo it's moderate.
Considerations for moving to Chicago
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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 Buffalo movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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75 Comet Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14216 (716) 832-6683 |
| Corrigan Moving Systems | Get A Quote |
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1845 Dale Rd, Buffalo, NY, 14225 (716) 897-0700 |
| Two Men and a Truck | Get A Quote |
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3860 Broadway a1 , Cheektowaga, NY, 14227 (716) 245-4275 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Buffalo page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
What to do in Chicago
These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.
- Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
- Navy Pier
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Buckingham Fountain
- Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
- 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Field Museum
- The Magnificent Mile
- Willis Tower SkyDeck
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Wrigley Field
- Chicago Pizza Tours
- Oz Park
- Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
- Maggie Daley Park
- Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
- Shedd Aquarium
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Green Mill Jazz Club
- The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- The Chicago Theatre
- The Second City
Get your sports on!
Chicago is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Fire (MLS)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Chicago?
The best time to move from Buffalo to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Buffalo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Buffalo to Chicago 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 Buffalo to Chicago take?
The 533-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Chicago, IL, takes one-six days. Some Buffalo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
