Best Buffalo to Detroit Movers

How Much Do Buffalo to Detroit Movers Cost?

Moving 257 miles from Buffalo, NY to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit that already have a booked job heading from Detroit to Buffalo. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Detroit from Buffalo entirely empty. If you can find a Detroit moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Buffalo to Detroit 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 Detroit movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Buffalo to Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit, MI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 18 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Buffalo and Detroit 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 Buffalo to Detroit 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 Buffalo to Detroit 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 (Buffalo & Detroit combined) from 2,347 reviews

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Buffalo to Detroit: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Elmwood Village in Buffalo & Midtown in Detroit are both known for their walkable arts district & local shops
• Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood & Detroit's Corktown both share a historic bohemian vibe & nightlife
• If you're moving from Hertel Avenue, check out Eastern Market in the Detroit area for the weekly markets & local eateries
• Do you enjoy North Park's residential blocks near downtown? You're sure to love West Village
• Move from Parkside to Indian Village and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: tree-lined streets & period homes
• Black Rock & Corktown are both known for their riverfront history & industrial roots
• Buffalo's Downtown Buffalo neighborhood & Detroit's Downtown neighborhood both have a business core & waterfront redevelopment
• If you're moving from Delaware District, look into Greektown for the bustling restaurant & nightlife scene

Pros and Cons of Moving from Buffalo to Detroit

ConsBuffalo, NY

• Smaller city vibe
• Fewer job opportunities
• Harsher winters
• Less cultural diversity
• Lower nightlife options

ProsDetroit, MI

• Larger urban area
• More diverse industries
• Milder Winters
• Greater cultural diversity
• Vibrant nightlife scene

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Detroit, MI

• More impersonal
• Higher cost of living
• Lacks natural wonders
• More traffic congestion
• Colder, less cozy winters

Buffalo, NY

• Tighter-knit community
• Lower cost of living
• Access to Niagara Falls
• Less heavy traffic
• Cozy winters

Pros of moving from Buffalo to Detroit

• Say goodbye to the smaller city vibe and hello to the larger urban area
• Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to Detroit with more diverse industries
• Swap the harsher winters of Buffalo for the milder winters in Detroit
• Get ready for greater cultural diversity in Detroit

Cons of moving from Buffalo to Detroit

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the tighter-knit community in Buffalo to live with a more impersonal atmosphere in Detroit
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to access to Niagara Falls and get used to the lack of natural wonders in Detroit
• Swap less heavy traffic for more traffic congestion

Buffalo vs. Detroit: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Buffalo to Detroit, you will be trading the iconic Buffalo Wings of Buffalo for the equally delicious Detroit-style Pizza of Detroit. And while the locals in Buffalo rave about their flavorful Beef on Weck and sumptuous Stuffed Banana Peppers, Detroit residents know they have tasty Coney Dog and Gyro 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 Coney Dog of Detroit. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Buffalo eateries like Anchor Bar, Shango Bistro, and Gabriel's Gate. After the boxes are unpacked in Detroit, don't wait too long before making your way to Detroit's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Buddy's Pizza, and Lafayette Coney Island.

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

Discover Detroit Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Detroit 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 Gabriel's Gate, Anchor Bar, and Elmwood Village Inn in Buffalo, we're sure you'll love Slows Bar BQ, Buddy's Pizza, and Ottava Via in Detroit. See our Detroit restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Buffalo hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at SeaBar Restaurant, head to Maru Sushi on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Buffalo and Detroit

• The Victorian and Craftsman architecture that Buffalo is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Bungalow architecture typical of Detroit.
• Compared to Buffalo's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious layouts and proximity to parks, Detroit's real estate listings often highlight features like renovated interiors and historical neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Detroit is less walkable than Buffalo.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Detroit is less bike-friendly than Buffalo.
• Detroit has less of an urban feel than Buffalo.
• Detroit housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in Buffalo, with a median home price of $71,547 compared to Buffalo’s $216,997.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Detroit have increased by 60% compared to a 66% increase in Buffalo.
• Rent in Detroit is 2.97% more affordable than in Buffalo.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

1. Corktown : You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly spaces and businesses, making it easy to enjoy outings with your furry friend.
2. Midtown : You and your pet can take advantage of numerous parks and walkable streets, enhancing your daily adventures together.
3. West Village : This neighborhood offers a welcoming community atmosphere with pet-friendly patios and local green spaces for you to explore with your pet.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Buffalo to Detroit. Detroit gets 18% more sunshine days than Buffalo.
• Detroit has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Buffalo.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and blizzards in Buffalo, but be on the lookout for potential snow and occasional tornadoes in Detroit.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Detroit is 4 degrees warmer than in Buffalo.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Buffalo.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Detroit. Detroit receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Buffalo.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Buffalo and Detroit

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Detroit tend to earn about 11% less than in Buffalo
• The COLI in Detroit will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Buffalo
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25 compared to 6.33 to 8.82 in NY
• The affluence in Detroit is lower compared to moderate affluence in Buffalo
• The poverty level is high in Detroit compared to moderate poverty in Buffalo
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Buffalo and high in Detroit

Political and Religious Climate in Buffalo vs. Detroit

• Buffalo tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Detroit, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Detroit's religious environment can be described as diverse and predominantly Christian, with a strong presence of Baptist churches
• Buffalo's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a significant Catholic presence

Buffalo vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 14% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Detroit compared to your Buffalo commute. That's 1560 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Detroit to be worse than it is in Buffalo.
• Public transit is more readily available in Detroit.