Best Buffalo to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Buffalo to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 538 miles from Buffalo, NY to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Buffalo. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Buffalo entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Buffalo to Chicago moving option

Hire local Buffalo 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Buffalo to Chicago 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 Buffalo to Chicago 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 Buffalo, NY to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

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

From these 38 companies, we analyzed a total of 21,203 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 38 companies and 192 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~21,000 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 14,128 Buffalo to Chicago 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 Buffalo to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.45/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 16,519 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.02/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 6,220 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.49/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 3,686 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.35/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 6,159 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.16/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 3,259 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.72/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 8,908 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.97/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 7,984 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.18/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 15,618 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.39/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 9,045 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.12/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 1,972 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.14/10 avg (Buffalo & Chicago combined) from 8,252 reviews

From Buffalo to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Elmwood Village in Buffalo & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their: walkable areas with local shops & arts scene
• Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood & Chicago's Pilsen both share: historic arts district & galleries
• If you're moving from North Buffalo, check out Lincoln Square in the Chicago area for the: family-friendly and residential atmosphere
• Do you enjoy Parkside's leafy and historic homes near the park? You're sure to love Hyde Park
• Move from Downtown Buffalo to South Loop and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: urban living & waterfront
• Delaware District & South Loop are both known for their: museums & cultural attractions
• Buffalo's University Heights neighborhood & Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood both have: university and student population
• If you're moving from South Buffalo, look into Bridgeport for the: industrial working-class roots
• Do you cherish living in Masten District's gentrifying area with new dining options? Move into Logan Square for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Buffalo to Chicago

ConsBuffalo, NY

• Smaller city vibe
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer job opportunities
• Lesser dining variety
• Lower public transit usage

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger metropolitan area
• More cultural diversity
• Greater career options
• Wider food selection
• Extensive public transport

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Chicago, IL

• Higher living costs
• Denser population
• More traffic congestion
• Fewer snow-related activities
• Farther from natural wonders

Buffalo, NY

• More affordable housing
• Close-knit communities
• Easier traffic navigation
• Better for snow sports
• Proximity to Niagara Falls

Pros of moving from Buffalo to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to larger metropolitan area
• Look forward to moving away from less cultural diversity and moving to Chicago with more cultural diversity
• Swap the fewer job opportunities of Buffalo for greater career options in Chicago
• Get ready for a wider food selection in Chicago

Cons of moving from Buffalo to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from more affordable housing in Buffalo to live with higher living costs in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of a denser population
• Time to bid farewell to easier traffic navigation and get used to more traffic congestion in Chicago
• Swap better snow sports for fewer snow-related activities

Buffalo vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Buffalo favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More, Lloyd Taco Factory, and The Dapper Goose in Buffalo, we're sure you'll love Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Big Star, and The Girl & The Goat in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Buffalo hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Temporarily Distorted, head to Alinea on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Buffalo and Chicago

• The American Foursquare and Colonial architecture that Buffalo is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Chicago Bungalow architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Buffalo's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Niagara Falls and large yards, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Buffalo.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Buffalo.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Buffalo.
• Chicago housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Buffalo, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Buffalo’s $216,997.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 66% increase in Buffalo.
• Rent in Chicago is 62.04% more expensive than in Buffalo.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lakeview: Known for its abundance of dog parks and pet-friendly businesses, Lakeview is a haven for pet owners.
2. Lincoln Park: With Lincoln Park's expansive green spaces and pet-friendly cafes, this neighborhood is perfect for pets and their owners.
3. Wicker Park: Offering numerous pet-friendly dining options and access to the 606 trail, Wicker Park is ideal for those with furry companions.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Buffalo to Chicago. Chicago gets 22% more sunshine days than Buffalo.
• Chicago has similar humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Buffalo.
• Say goodbye to the possible lake-effect snow and blizzards in Buffalo, but be on the lookout for potential heavy snowfall and floods in Chicago.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 5 degrees warmer than in Buffalo.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Buffalo.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Buffalo.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Buffalo and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 64% more than in Buffalo
• The COLI in Chicago is 22% higher than what you are used to living in Buffalo
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 6.33 to 8.82 in NY
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to the median in Buffalo
• The poverty level is comparable in Chicago compared to higher levels in Buffalo
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Buffalo and significant in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Buffalo vs. Chicago

• Buffalo tends to lean largely Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as highly diverse with a significant Catholic base
• Buffalo's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Catholicism being prominent

Buffalo vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 70% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Buffalo commute. That's 7280 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Buffalo.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.