Best Buffalo to New York City Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Interstate MoversChevron RightNew YorkChevron RightBuffalo to New York City

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Buffalo to New York City and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 406 mile long distance New York move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 181 Buffalo to New York City moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is JP Urban Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Buffalo compared to New York City. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Buffalo to New York City Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Buffalo to New York City Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability Index
1JP Urban Moving9.859.78
2Metropolis Moving9.729.62
3Stellar Movers9.058.99
4Wayfinder Moving Services 9.038.92
5Truck & A Trailer Moving LLC8.919.3
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Buffalo to New York City?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 406 miles from Buffalo, NY to New York City, NY will cost on average $1,808 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Buffalo to New York City move is roughly $4,325. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,218300 ft³$4.06
1 Bedroom$1,808450 ft³$4.02
2 Bedrooms$2,981750 ft³$3.97
3 Bedrooms$4,3251100 ft³$3.93
4 Bedrooms$6,2231600 ft³$3.89
5+ Bedrooms$6,9241800 ft³$3.85
*Please note: These New York to New York moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New York & New York. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed NY to NY mover.
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New York City to Buffalo guide.

Compare the 5 Best Buffalo to New York City Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

JP Urban Moving Logo

JP Urban Moving

Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl

Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo

Metropolis Moving

Exceptional9.72/10
based on 2,535+ data points

476 Jefferson St

Brooklyn, NY, 11237

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4277979 / 1662478

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Stellar Movers Logo

Stellar Movers

Exceptional9.05/10
based on 581+ data points

84 Hartwell Rd

Buffalo, NY, 14216

About Stellar Movers

Stellar Movers is a locally-owned moving company based in Buffalo, offering a variety of professional moving services for residential and commercial...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Premium Home & Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3051436 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Wayfinder Moving Services  Logo

Wayfinder Moving Services

Superb9.03/10
based on 1,214+ data points

75 Comet Ave

Buffalo, NY, 14216

About Wayfinder Moving Services

Established in 2018, Wayfinder Moving Services has locations in both Buffalo, NY and Jamestown. As a business that specializes in...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3104397 / 79366

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Truck & A Trailer Moving LLC Logo

Truck & A Trailer Moving LLC

Superb8.91/10
based on 839+ data points

North Tonawanda, NY, 14120

About Truck & A Trailer Moving LLC

You can count on Truck & A Trailer Moving for a quick, safe, and affordable move. This family-owned and operated moving...

Services

  • Single Item Moves (Piano, safes, etc.)
  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3051436 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Buffalo vs. New York City Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not sure where to start your neighborhood search. To help you feel more at home, we've created a guide that compares the local neighborhoods between Buffalo, NY & New York City, NY , so you can find a new community that reminds you of your old one. This comparison will help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your current city as a baseline.

BuffaloNew York CityHow They're Similar
Elmwood VillageGreenwich VillageVibrant arts scene
AllentownEast VillageBustling nightlife, artistic
North ParkPark SlopeFamily-friendly with parks
Delaware DistrictUpper East SideUpscale residential
Hertel AvenueWilliamsburgHipster vibe, eclectic eateries
South BuffaloBay RidgeDiverse community, affordable
West SideAstoriaCultural diversity, vibrant food scene
University HeightsMorningside HeightsCollege area, intellectual vibe
WaterfrontBrooklyn HeightsScenic views, historic
CanalsideLower East SideRevitalized, entertainment hub

Imagine strolling down Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, where the community thrives with local art and coffee shops. Now, visualize finding the same cultural heartbeat in Greenwich Village, NYC, where every turn reveals a new gallery, theater, or cozy café. If you're drawn to Allentown's eclectic nightlife and music scene, you'll find a kindred spirit in the East Village's bustling streets and avant-garde performance spaces. For those who love the tranquil, residential charm of the Delaware District, the Upper East Side offers a seamless blend of stately architecture and elegant dining. Meanwhile, Hertel Avenue's diverse cuisine and quirky shops are mirrored in Williamsburg’s lively atmosphere and innovative eateries like Lilia. Transitioning from Buffalo to NYC doesn't mean leaving behind the community characters you love; it means discovering them anew in the vast urban tapestry of New York City.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in New York City

  • Explore Central Park on foot or bike
  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Enjoy a Broadway show
  • Walk the High Line
  • Savor eats at Chelsea Market
  • Catch a game at Yankee Stadium
  • Attend a workshop at Brooklyn Public Library

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Buffalo to New York City

Moving from Buffalo, NY to New York City, NY presents a unique mix of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to reflect on this relocation journey, weighing both the cons of Buffalo and the subsequent pros of New York City against each other, and vice versa, to offer a holistic view of what this change entails.

CONs
PROs
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Smaller job market
  • Heavy snowfall
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited nightlife
  • Lower public transport coverage
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Milder winters
  • Rich cultural tapestry
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Extensive public transport
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Higher cost of living
  • Cramped living spaces
  • Impersonal connections
  • Less green space
  • Heavy traffic
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living areas
  • Close-knit community
  • Easy access to nature
  • Less traffic congestion

Moving to New York City from Buffalo means trading the familiarity of a smaller, more intimate community for the hustle and bustle of one of the world's most dynamic metropolises. While you might miss Buffalo's easy access to serene spots like Delaware Park, NYC offers its own green havens like Central Park and the High Line for those seeking an escape within the urban landscape. The cultural experiences in New York City are vast, from Broadway shows to dining experiences that span the globe in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing. Plus, New York City's extensive public transport system, including the iconic subway, makes navigating the city's diverse boroughs and neighborhoods, from the artsy streets of Bushwick to the historic walks of Greenwich Village, both an adventure and a convenience you'll come to appreciate.

Buffalo vs. New York City Food Guide

Food is a fundamental aspect of local culture and lifestyle. As you consider moving, understanding the culinary differences can enrich your experience. This guide offers a brief overview, with a comparison of the local cuisine between Buffalo & New York City , to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new home.

Buffalo
New York City
Most iconic local food item
Buffalo Wings
Pizza
Most popular meat dish
Beef on Weck
Pastrami on Rye
Most popular street food item
Food Truck Tacos
Halal Chicken and Rice
Most popular vegan food
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Vegan Ramen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Anchor Bar
  • Charlie the Butcher
  • Teddy's
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
  • Junior's Cheesecake
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Buffalo and New York City each offer a distinctive food scene reflective of their unique cultural influences and culinary creativity. Buffalo is celebrated for its invention of the Buffalo Wings, best enjoyed at the legendary Anchor Bar. Meanwhile, New York City prides itself on its diverse culinary landscape, boasting iconic dishes like Pizza with famous slices found in neighborhoods like Williamsburg and the East Village. Furthermore, NYC's street food scene is unmatched, with delicious eats like Halal Chicken and Rice available at street corners across the city, especially around Midtown and Financial District. For vegans, NYC's plethora of options includes spots like Ramen Shop for a warm bowl of Vegan Ramen. Whether you're indulging in Buffalo's hearty eats or exploring the vast gastronomic diversity of New York City, each city offers a vibrant foodie scene waiting to be discovered.

Buffalo vs. New York City Restaurant Comparison

Finding a place that feels like home can significantly depend on discovering eateries that tantalize your taste buds just right. This restaurant comparison will guide you in relocating from Buffalo to New York City , ensuring you can easily swap your favorite Buffalo dining spots with new go-tos in the Big Apple.

BuffaloNew York CityWhat You'll Love
Gabriel's GateBlue SmokeTraditional BBQ with a similar dedication to flavor and authenticity.
Anchor BarThe Spotted PigIconic bar food with a gourmet twist, mirroring Anchor's invention of the Buffalo wing.
Allen Burger VentureMinetta TavernOffers high-quality burgers in a chic setting.
Marble + RyeThe Dead RabbitKnown for their whiskey selection and upscale bar food, akin to Marble + Rye's offering.
Seabar CitySushi NakazawaBoth specialize in high-quality sushi and seafood, with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Schwabl'sKatz's DelicatessenWhile famous for pastrami, Katz's echoes Schwabl's tradition in classic, comfort deli foods.
Ted's Hot DogsCrif DogsQuirky and innovative hot dogs that match Ted's local fame and flavor creativity.
Buffalo ProperDeath & CoCraft cocktails and a modern environment similar to Buffalo Proper's trendy vibe.
Lombardo RistoranteCarboneHigh-end Italian dining with a focus on traditional dishes and superb quality, mirroring Lombardo's.
Paula's DonutsDough DoughnutsArtisanal donuts that offer a akin sensory delight as Paula's much-loved pastries.

Moving to a new city is an adventure, especially when it comes to dining out. Take Lombardo Ristorante and Carbone, for instance; both places offer a deep dive into the essence of Italian cuisine, creating dishes that would satisfy the most ardent food aficionado. For those who cherish a night out under the soft glow of cocktail bar lights, transitioning from Buffalo Proper to Death & Co will feel seamless, with each location boasting a creative drink menu in an elegantly styled setting. Sushi enthusiasts who frequent Seabar City in Buffalo will find the meticulous attention to quality and presentation at Sushi Nakazawa in New York City a comparable culinary journey. These transitions promise not just a continuation of great eating but the discovery of new favorites as well.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Buffalo vs. New York City Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it’s essential to compare the real estate landscapes of your current and prospective homes. Here, we’ll delve into how Buffalo and New York City square off in terms of housing costs, styles, and lifestyle, providing a clear picture of what to expect from each.

Buffalo
New York City
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial and Ranch
Art Deco and Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, garages
Proximity to public transit, rooftop access

Moving from Buffalo to New York City, you'll notice a stark contrast not just in housing prices but in the lifestyle each city affords. New York City's high median home prices and rents reflect its dense, urban environment, where apartments with access to public transit and rooftop views are highly sought after. In contrast, Buffalo offers more affordable living with homes that typically come with spacious backyards and garages, catering to a more suburban lifestyle. The architectural styles also differ vastly, with Buffalo showcasing traditional Colonial and Ranch homes, while NYC is a tapestry of Art Deco and modern skyscrapers. If walkability and an urban atmosphere are high on your list, NYC might be the right move, but for those seeking a quieter, more spacious environment, Buffalo's charms are hard to overlook.

Buffalo vs. New York City Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Buffalo, NY to New York City, NY, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for a seamless transition. This guide aims to illustrate the weather differences between these two cities, ensuring you are well-prepared for your new environment.

Buffalo
New York City
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Floods
Hurricanes, Floods
Air Quality
Moderate
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

79/59
84/69
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

31/18
39/26


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

40.5
49.9
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

95
25


In the transition from Buffalo to New York City, you'll experience milder winters and enjoy more sunny days annually, which could significantly affect your lifestyle and mood. The notable decrease in snowfall in NYC means less shoveling and smoother commuting during winter months. However, prepare for the urban heat island effect, which could make NYC summers feel particularly hotter, necessitating a different approach to staying cool. Additionally, while both cities share moderate air quality levels, individuals with seasonal allergies might notice a shift in triggers due to the difference in prevalent allergens.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Buffalo to New York City

When planning a move from Buffalo, NY to New York City, NY, it's crucial to understand how your expenses will shift. This comparison highlights the differences in cost of living, taxes, and the economic landscape between Buffalo and New York City to better prepare you for the financial adjustments needed.

Buffalo
New York City
Avg. Household Income
$40,669
$67,997
Cost of Living Index
95.8
185.8
State Income Tax
6.33
6.33
Avg. Property Tax
2.25
0.88
Avg. Sales Tax
8.75
8.875
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
Finance, Media, Technology
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Significant
Moderate
Homelessness
Noticeable
Considerable

If you're relocating from Buffalo to New York City, expect significant changes in your financial lifestyle. While average household incomes in NYC are higher, so too is the cost of living—demonstrated by the higher index and the stark difference in both property and sales taxes. Notably, the prosperous industries in NYC—finance, media, and technology—present lucrative opportunities not as present in Buffalo. Additionally, both cities face their unique challenges with poverty and homelessness, reflecting broader statewide and city-specific economic issues.

Buffalo vs. New York City Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Buffalo, NY to New York City, NY, understanding the communities you're transitioning between can enhance your relocation experience. This guide provides a comparison of the political and religious makeup of Buffalo & New York City, offering insights into what to expect from your new neighbors.

Buffalo
New York City
Political Make-up
Democratic-leaning
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Less progressive compared to NYC
Highly progressive policies
Religion
Mixed, with a strong Catholic presence <a href="https://www.buffalodiocese.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Buffalo Diocese</a>
Diverse; significant Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant communities NYC Religion Info

In comparing these two cities, you'll find that while both lean Democratic, politics in New York City are markedly more progressive, reflecting its larger and more diverse population. This reflects not just in policies but in community activities and public services. Buffalo offers a somewhat more homogeneous religious landscape, with a notable presence of the Catholic Church influencing community events and holidays. In contrast, New York City's religious scene is exceedingly diverse, ensuring that no matter your faith, you'll find a community to join. NYC Religion Info offers a broad directory of religious institutions across the city, facilitating your exploration and integration into the local spiritual life.

Buffalo vs. New York City Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Buffalo, NY to New York City, NY presents a stark contrast in daily commute experiences. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Buffalo & New York City will help you understand what to expect in terms of transit times, congestion, and the necessity of owning a car.

Buffalo
New York City
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
20
40
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
9 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
10 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
With Difficulty
Easily

In Buffalo, the average commute time is significantly shorter than in New York City, where bustling streets and dense urban living contribute to a longer travel time. Despite the congestion, New York City excels in public transit options, scoring a perfect ten, thanks to its comprehensive subway, bus, and taxi services. Here, the question of whether a car is necessary is answered with ease—while it's feasible to live without one in Buffalo, in New York City, it's not just possible but often preferable. This shift in transit lifestyle is something to consider, as it significantly impacts daily schedules and living costs.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Buffalo to New York City Movers Featured Image