Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Buffalotoggle

The cost of Portland 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 Portland to Buffalo can be as low as $1,694 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $15,558.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, 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 $1,693 to $4,464. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Buffalo

Portland Buffalo
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,200
Average home value $522,596 $213,418
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $63,443
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $1,022
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $3,645
Unemployment rate 6.9% 9.5%
Sales tax 0.0% 8.75%
State income tax 9.9% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Buffalo are 22% lower than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Buffalo are 59.2% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Buffalo is 26.1% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 60.3% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 40.0% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 37.68% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Buffalo are 8.75% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Buffalo are 10.10% higher than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,192.07 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Buffalo

Buffalo Portland
Population 278,349 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 67 81
Bike friendliness score 63 92
Crime Index 8.0 57.37
Safety Index 53.55 42.63
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Buffalo's population is about 57% less than Portland.
  • Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 8.
  • Buffalo is less walkable than Portland with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
  • Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score 63 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 8.0 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Buffalo is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 53.55 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Buffalo move

  • 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.

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 singlestoggle

  • Allentown
  • Delaware District
  • Lower West Side
  • Elmwood Strip
  • Downtown
  • Parkside
  • West Side
  • North Park
  • First Ward

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Williamsville
  • Clarence Center
  • Eggertsville
  • Harris Hill
  • East Aurora
  • Kenmore
  • Grandyle Village
  • Billington Heights
  • Rapids
  • Lancaster

Things to do in Buffalotoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Buffalo is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Burchfield Penney Art Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina 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 Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beautsโ€Ž, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)โ€Ž, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)โ€Ž game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Portland to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.

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

Because most people are moving from Portland 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 Portland to Buffalo take?

The 2,636-mile move from Portland, OR, to Buffalo, NY, takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.

Helpful moving resources