Key factors that impact the cost of your Buffalo to Nashville 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 Nashville (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,178, while larger moves may reach $7,257 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 $623 to $1,573, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Buffalo to Nashville

Moving from Buffalo to Nashville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Nashville is generally more expensive than Buffalo, itโ€™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:

Buffalo Nashville
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,971
Average home value $213,418 $428,678
Average income (per capita) $63,443 $79,020
Cost of living (single person) $2,589 $3,108
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,720 $8,447
Unemployment rate 9.5% 4.5%
Sales tax 8.75% 9.75%
State income tax 10.9% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Nashville are 64% 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 Nashville are 100.9% higher than in Buffalo.
  • Income in Nashville is 24.6% higher than in Buffalo, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Nashville include HCA Healthcare, Access Control Systems, and Bridgestone.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Nashville, since the cost of living for a single person in Nashville is 20.0% higher than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Nashville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 47.7% higher than in Buffalo.
  • The unemployment rate in Nashville is 52.63% lower than in Buffalo.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Nashville are 11.43% higher than in Buffalo.
  • One perk of moving to Nashville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Buffalo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,601.39 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How life is different in Buffalo vs. Nashville

Nashville Buffalo
Population 689,447 278,349
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 7
Walkability score 96 67
Bike friendliness score 72 63
Crime Index 49.1 8.0
Safety Index 50.9 53.55
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Nashville is about 148% greater than Buffalo, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Nashville without a car might be more difficult than in Buffalo. Nashville has a public transportation score of 4 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.
  • Living in Nashville means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Buffalo. Nashville is considered more walkable than Buffalo, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 67 out of 100 in Buffalo. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Nashville is considered more bike-friendly than Buffalo in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Nashville has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Buffalo is rated as 63 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Nashville 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 49.1 in Nashville, it is 8.0 in Buffalo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • Nashville 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 Nashville has better air quality than in Buffalo. Nashville 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. Nashville move

  • Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement 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 regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Tennessee, 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 toNashville Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Nashville

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Germantown
  • The Gulch
  • Midtown
  • Music Row

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Belmont-Hillsboro
  • Buena Vista
  • Green Hills
  • Lockeland Springs
  • Oak Hill

Things to do in Nashville

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

  • Arts and culture: Nashville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, and Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront 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 Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), or Nashville SC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Nashville 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 Nashville?

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

Moving from Buffalo, NY to Nashville, TN covers 705 miles and usually takes one to six 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 Nashville.

Helpful moving resources