Best Chicago to Buffalo Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Buffalo Movers Cost?

Moving 538 miles from Chicago, IL to Buffalo, NY will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Buffalo that already have a booked job heading from Buffalo to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Buffalo from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Buffalo moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Buffalo moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Buffalo movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Buffalo move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Buffalo movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Buffalo, NY long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Buffalo moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 38 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Buffalo areas.

From these 38 companies, we analyzed a total of 23,555 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 38 companies and 192 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~23,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 18,707 Chicago to Buffalo moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Buffalo moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.53/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 18,719 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.15/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 6,928 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.59/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 4,025 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.45/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 6,722 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.18/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 3,589 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 9,960 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.08/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 9,189 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.27/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 17,575 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.48/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 10,189 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.17/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 2,219 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.23/10 avg (Chicago & Buffalo combined) from 9,254 reviews

From Chicago to Buffalo: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Elmwood Village in Buffalo are both known for their walkable area with boutiques and lakefront park
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Buffalo's Allentown both share artsy galleries and a nightlife scene
• If you're moving from River North, check out Allentown in the Buffalo area for upscale galleries and vibrant nightlife
• Do you enjoy Gold Coast's historic homes and upscale shopping? You're sure to love Elmwood Village
• Move from Lakeview to North Buffalo and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: residential with parks and craft breweries
• Bucktown & Larkin District are both known for their warehouse conversions with trendy restaurants
• Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood & Buffalo's West Side neighborhood both have emerging districts with diverse eateries
• If you're moving from West Loop, look into Larkin District for industrial-chic bars and food halls
• Do you cherish living in Andersonville's ethnic eateries and local boutiques? Move into North Buffalo for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Buffalo

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher crime rates
• Expensive housing
• Heavier traffic
• Colder winters
• Larger population

ProsBuffalo, NY

• Lower crime rates
• More affordable
• Less congestion
• More snowfall
• Smaller, tighter community

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Buffalo, NY

• Quieter nightlife
• Smaller cultural venues
• Less variety
• More car-dependent
• Fewer major teams

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• Rich cultural scene
• Diverse dining options
• Extensive public transit
• Major sports teams

Pros of moving from Chicago to Buffalo

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from expensive housing and moving to Buffalo with more affordable options
• Swap the heavier traffic of Chicago for less congestion in Buffalo
• Get ready for more snowfall in Buffalo

Cons of moving from Chicago to Buffalo

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with quieter nightlife in Buffalo
• You'll lose out on the pro of a rich cultural scene and have to settle for the con of smaller cultural venues
• Time to bid farewell to diverse dining options and get used to less variety in Buffalo
• Swap extensive public transit for a more car-dependent lifestyle

Chicago vs. Buffalo: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Buffalo, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Buffalo Wings of Buffalo. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-Style Hot Dog, Buffalo residents know they have tasty Beef on Weck and Stuffed Banana Peppers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Buffalo Cauliflower of Buffalo. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Al's Beef, and Au Cheval. After the boxes are unpacked in Buffalo, don't wait too long before making your way to Buffalo's acclaimed eateries like Anchor Bar, Schwabl's, and Ted's Hot Dogs.

When comparing lifestyles, Buffalo shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Buffalo compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Buffalo.

Discover Buffalo Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Buffalo is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Portillo's, and Girl & The Goat in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Tempo, Ted's Hot Dogs, and Marble + Rye in Buffalo. See our Buffalo restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Giordano's, head to La Nova on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Buffalo

• The Modern and Contemporary architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Buffalo.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to public transit, Buffalo real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Buffalo is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Buffalo is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Buffalo has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Buffalo housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $216,997 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Buffalo have increased by 66% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Buffalo is 38.29% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY

1. Elmwood Village : You'll love the abundance of pet-friendly parks and shops where your four-legged friend is always welcome.
2. North Buffalo : This vibrant area offers wide sidewalks and several dog parks, making it easy for you and your pet to enjoy strolls and social time.
3. Parkside : Nestled near Delaware Park, you'll have access to plenty of green space where you and your pet can relax and play.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Buffalo

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Buffalo. Buffalo gets 18% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Buffalo has similar humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential lake-effect snow and blizzards in Buffalo.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Buffalo is 5 degrees colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Buffalo. Buffalo receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Buffalo

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Buffalo tend to earn about 39% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Buffalo is 18% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in NY is between 6.33 and 8.82 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Buffalo is moderately affluent compared to moderately affluent in Chicago
• The poverty level is significant in Buffalo compared to considerable in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Chicago and moderate in Buffalo

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Buffalo

• Chicago tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Buffalo, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Buffalo's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a Catholic majority
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant Catholic presence

Chicago vs. Buffalo Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 35% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Buffalo compared to your Chicago daily drive. That's an annual savings of 6,240 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Buffalo to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Buffalo.