Best Indianapolis to Buffalo Movers

How Much Do Indianapolis to Buffalo Movers Cost?

Moving 504 miles from Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Buffalo from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Buffalo moving option

Hire local Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN to Buffalo, NY long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 23 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Indianapolis and Buffalo areas.

From these 23 companies, we analyzed a total of 4,918 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 23 companies and 95 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~4,000 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 2,790 Indianapolis 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 Wayfinder Moving Services ) vs older more established companies (like Soft Touch Moving).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Indianapolis 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.

8.37/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 2,625 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.07/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 761 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.24/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 370 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.41/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 816 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.65/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 316 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.55/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 1,057 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.98/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 1,503 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.19/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 2,660 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.33/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 1,570 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.91/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 323 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.75/10 avg (Indianapolis & Buffalo combined) from 1,128 reviews

From Indianapolis to Buffalo: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Broad Ripple in Indianapolis & Allentown in Buffalo are both known for their bohemian vibe & nightlife
• Indianapolis' Fountain Square neighborhood & Buffalo's Elmwood Village both share eclectic eateries & bustling nightlife
• If you're moving from Meridian-Kessler, check out Parkside in the Buffalo area for the tree-lined streets & historic homes
• Do you enjoy Irvington's historic architecture & arts community? You're sure to love Allentown
• Move from Mass Ave District to Delaware District and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities theaters, galleries & boutique shops
• Old Northside & Delaware District are both known for their Victorian homes & cultural revitalization
• Indianapolis' Herron-Morton neighborhood & Buffalo's Larkin District neighborhood both have art galleries & renovated warehouses
• If you're moving from Fletcher Place, look into Fruit Belt for the mixed old/new housing & local eateries
• Do you cherish living in Meadows' quiet, residential & suburban feel? Move into North Buffalo for something similar
• The similar vibes of Butler-Tarkington & Black Rock are both known for family-friendly & affordable housing

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo

ConsIndianapolis, IN

• Less snowy winters
• Smaller cultural scene
• Fewer waterfront areas
• Lower food diversity

ProsBuffalo, NY

• More snowy winters
• Larger cultural scene
• Access to Lake Erie
• Greater food diversity

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Buffalo, NY

• Smaller city
• Fewer job opportunities
• Lesser sports culture
• Fewer parks and green spaces

Indianapolis, IN

• Larger city
• More job opportunities
• Better sports culture
• More parks and green spaces

Pros of moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo

• Say goodbye to less snowy winters and hello to more snowy winters
• Look forward to moving away from a smaller cultural scene and moving to Buffalo with a larger cultural scene
• Swap the fewer waterfront areas of Indianapolis for access to Lake Erie in Buffalo
• Get ready for greater food diversity in Buffalo

Cons of moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a larger city in Indianapolis to live with a smaller city in Buffalo
• You'll lose out on the pro of more job opportunities and have to settle with the con of fewer job opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to a better sports culture and get used to a lesser sports culture in Buffalo
• Swap more parks and green spaces for fewer parks and green spaces

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis for the equally delicious Buffalo Wings of Buffalo. And while the locals in Indianapolis rave about their flavorful Smoked BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Elote, Buffalo residents know they have tasty Beef on Weck and Pierogi to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Curry they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Wings of Buffalo. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indianapolis eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Milktooth, and Bluebeard. After the boxes are unpacked in Buffalo, don't wait too long before making your way to Buffalo's acclaimed eateries like Anchor Bar, Gabriel's Gate, and Schwabl's.

When comparing lifestyles, Buffalo shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Indianapolis. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Buffalo compared to what you are used to in Indianapolis. Also, the overall foodie scene is more 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 Indianapolis favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth in Indianapolis, we're sure you'll love Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More, Tempo Restaurant, and Five Points Bakery and Toast Cafe in Buffalo. See our Buffalo restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Indianapolis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Eagle, head to Allen Burger Venture on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indianapolis and Buffalo

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Indianapolis is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Buffalo.
• Compared to Indianapolis's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Buffalo real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and accessibility.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Buffalo is more walkable than Indianapolis.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis.
• Buffalo has more of an urban feel than Indianapolis.
• Buffalo housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in Indianapolis with a median home price of $216,997 compared to Indianapolis’s $224,099.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Buffalo have increased by 66% compared to a 60% increase in Indianapolis.
• Rent in Buffalo is 4.65% more affordable than in Indianapolis.

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 Indianapolis and Buffalo

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Indianapolis to Buffalo. Buffalo gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Indianapolis.
• Buffalo has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Indianapolis.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indianapolis, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Buffalo.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Buffalo is 5 degrees colder than in Indianapolis.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Indianapolis.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Buffalo. Buffalo receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Indianapolis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indianapolis and Buffalo

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Buffalo tend to earn about 30% less than in Indianapolis
• The COLI in Buffalo is 10% higher than what you are used to living in Indianapolis
• The state income tax in NY is 6.33 to 8.82 compared to 3.23 in IN
• The affluence in Buffalo is lower compared to moderate affluence in Indianapolis
• The poverty level is higher in Buffalo compared to lower poverty in Indianapolis
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Indianapolis and concerning in Buffalo

Political and Religious Climate in Indianapolis vs. Buffalo

• Indianapolis tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Buffalo, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Buffalo's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities
• Indianapolis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominantly Christianity with a mix of other faiths

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 12% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Buffalo compared to your daily drive in Indianapolis. That's an annual savings of 1560 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Buffalo to be better than it is in Indianapolis.
• Public transit is more readily available in Buffalo.