Best Detroit to Buffalo Movers

How Much Do Detroit to Buffalo Movers Cost?

Moving 256 miles from Detroit, MI to Buffalo, NY will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 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 Detroit. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Buffalo from Detroit 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 Detroit to Buffalo moving option

Hire local Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit, MI to Buffalo, NY long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 18 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Detroit and Buffalo areas.

From these 18 companies, we analyzed a total of 3,329 reviews dating all the way back to May 2010.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 18 companies and 86 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~3,000 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 1,515 Detroit 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.

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Detroit 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.

8.72/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 2,347 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.32/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 762 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.78/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 473 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.30/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 800 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.73/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 322 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 907 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.10/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 1,372 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.45/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 2,407 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.60/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 1,427 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.15/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 279 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.27/10 avg (Detroit & Buffalo combined) from 1,044 reviews

From Detroit to Buffalo: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Corktown in Detroit & Allentown in Buffalo are both known for their historic area with trendy bars & galleries
• Detroit's Midtown neighborhood & Buffalo's Elmwood Village both share a walkable neighborhood with boutiques & coffee shops
• If you're moving from Downtown, check out Canalside in the Buffalo area for waterfront entertainment & events
• Do you enjoy Eastern Market's revitalized markets & breweries? You're sure to love Larkinville
• Move from Indian Village to Parkside and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic mansions near the park
• West Village & Delaware District are both known for their residential areas near cultural institutions
• Detroit's Palmer Woods neighborhood & Buffalo's North Buffalo neighborhood both have upscale tree-lined single-family homes
• If you're moving from Rosedale Park, look into Black Rock for a family-oriented community with early 20th-century homes
• Do you cherish living in Mexicantown's Latin eateries & community markets? Move into West Side for something similar
• The similar vibes of Southwest Detroit & West Side are both known for their diverse immigrant communities & local shops

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Buffalo

ConsDetroit, MI

• Higher crime rates
• Economic struggles
• Harsher winters
• Less nightlife

ProsBuffalo, NY

• Lower crime rates
• Better job opportunities
• Milder winters
• Vibrant nightlife

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Buffalo, NY

• Smaller music scene
• Fewer automotive events
• Higher housing costs
• More limited options

Detroit, MI

• Richer music scene
• Automotive culture
• Affordable housing
• Diverse cuisine

Pros of moving from Detroit to Buffalo

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from economic struggles and moving to Buffalo with better job opportunities
• Swap the harsher winters of Detroit for the milder winters in Buffalo
• Get ready for vibrant nightlife in Buffalo

Cons of moving from Detroit to Buffalo

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a richer music scene in Detroit to live with a smaller music scene in Buffalo
• You'll lose out on the pro of automotive culture and have to settle for the con of fewer automotive events
• Time to bid farewell to affordable housing and get used to higher housing costs in Buffalo
• Swap diverse cuisine for more limited options

Detroit vs. Buffalo: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Detroit to Buffalo, you will be trading the iconic Detroit-style Pizza of Detroit for the equally delicious Buffalo Wings of Buffalo. And while the locals in Detroit rave about their flavorful Coney Island Hot Dog and sumptuous Shawarma, Buffalo residents know they have tasty Beef on Weck and Sponge Candy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Kebabs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Buffalo. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Detroit eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Supino Pizzeria, and Selden Standard. 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 Ted's Hot Dogs.

When comparing lifestyles, Buffalo shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Detroit. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Buffalo compared to what you are used to in Detroit. 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 Detroit favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Selden Standard, Lady of the House, and Supino Pizzeria in Detroit, we're sure you'll love Toutant, The Dapper Goose, and Jay's Artisan Pizzeria in Buffalo. See our Buffalo restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Detroit hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Rose's Fine Food, head to Breadhive Bakery and Cafe on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Detroit and Buffalo

• The Art Deco and Modern architecture that Detroit is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Buffalo.
• Compared to Detroit's real estate listings that commonly reference historic properties and large lots, Buffalo real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and proximity to parks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Buffalo is more walkable than Detroit.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Detroit.
• Buffalo has more of an urban feel than Detroit.
• Buffalo housing costs are 203% more expensive than they are in Detroit with a median home price of $216,997 compared to Detroit’s $71,547.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Buffalo have increased by 66% compared to a 60% increase in Detroit.
• Rent in Buffalo is 3.06% more expensive than in Detroit.

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 Detroit and Buffalo

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Detroit to Buffalo. Buffalo gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Detroit.
• Buffalo has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Detroit.
• Say goodbye to the possible sporadic tornadoes in Detroit, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and lake effect snow in Buffalo.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Buffalo is 4 degrees colder than in Detroit.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Detroit.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Buffalo. Buffalo receives 7 more inches of rain compared to Detroit.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Detroit and Buffalo

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Buffalo tend to earn about 13% more than in Detroit
• The COLI in Buffalo is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Detroit
• The state income tax in NY is 6.33 compared to 4.25 in MI
• The affluence in Buffalo is moderate compared to lower affluence in Detroit
• The poverty level is moderate in Buffalo compared to high poverty in Detroit
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Detroit and moderate in Buffalo

Political and Religious Climate in Detroit vs. Buffalo

• Detroit tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Buffalo, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
• Buffalo's religious environment can be described as Christianity prevalent, with pockets of diversity
• Detroit's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Christianity being dominant

Detroit vs. Buffalo Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 19% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Buffalo compared to your Detroit daily drive. That's an annual savings of 2600 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Buffalo to be better than it is in Detroit.
• Public transit is more readily available in Buffalo.