Best San Diego to Buffalo Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Diego to Buffalo and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,677 mile move from California to New York go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 San Diego to Buffalo moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Buffalo. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Diego to Buffalo Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Wayfinder Moving Services 9.038.92Authorized For HHGContact
4Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHGContact
5Joey Z's Moving8.908.66ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Diego to Buffalo

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,677 miles from San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY will cost on average $4,058 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Buffalo move is roughly $9,809. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,720300 ft³9.07
1 Bedroom$4,058450 ft³9.02
2 Bedrooms$6,725750 ft³8.97
3 Bedrooms$9,8091100 ft³8.92
4 Bedrooms$14,1871600 ft³8.87
5+ Bedrooms$15,8711800 ft³8.82
*Please note: These California to New York moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & New York. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to NY mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Buffalo to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Buffalo Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Wayfinder Moving Services  Logo

Wayfinder Moving Services

Superb9.03/10
based on 1,214+ data points

75 Comet Ave

Buffalo, NY, 14216

About Wayfinder Moving Services

Established in 2018, Wayfinder Moving Services has locations in both Buffalo, NY and Jamestown. As a business that specializes in...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3104397 / 79366

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

13026 Stowe Dr A

Poway, CA, 92064

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Joey Z's Moving Logo

Joey Z's Moving

Superb8.90/10
based on 214+ data points

North Tonawanda, NY, 14120

About Joey Z's Moving

Backed by over 35 years of experience, Joey Z’s Moving serves all of New York State with reliable residential and commercial...

Services

  • Home & Apartment moving
  • Senior Moves
  • Business & Office moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/9/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3348965 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Diego vs. Buffalo Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating, getting to know your new city can feel like deciphering a puzzle. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison focusing on local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Buffalo, NY . This guide aims to match the vibe, community, and lifestyle of San Diego neighborhoods with those in Buffalo, making your move as seamless as possible.

San DiegoBuffaloHow They're Similar
La JollaElmwood VillageVibrant arts scene, beach proximity
North ParkAllentownHip, artsy with a strong local vibe
Pacific BeachHertel AvenueYouthful energy, nightlife, and lakeside appeal
HillcrestBuffalo Niagara Medical CampusDiverse, inclusive, with a progressive community
Gaslamp QuarterChippewa StreetBustling nightlife and historic sites
CoronadoDelaware ParkUpscale living, scenic views, and historic charm
Del MarOrchard ParkWell-maintained neighborhoods with a family-friendly atmosphere
Little ItalyNorth BuffaloDiverse eateries, rich culture, and strong community feel
EncinitasSouth BuffaloCommunity-oriented, with a laid-back vibe
Ocean BeachEllicottvilleLaid-back, with a focus on outdoor activities and leisure

Exploring the charm and lifestyle of neighborhoods can help you find a new home that feels just right. If you're drawn to the quirky and artistic flair of North Park, San Diego, then Allentown in Buffalo, with its vibrant arts scene, cozy cafes like Gusto Italian Cafe, and historical architecture, will make you feel right at home. For those who love the upscale and sophisticated vibe of La Jolla, Elmwood Village offers a comparable blend of arts, culture, and community vibrancy, not to mention access to beautiful outdoor spaces like Delaware Park, mirroring the coastal charm of La Jolla but with a distinct Buffalo flair. Whether you're scouting for the perfect restaurant or the most serene park to unwind, finding a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle and interests in Buffalo is key to making your new city feel like home.

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Things to Do in Buffalo

  • Explore Albright-Knox Art Gallery
  • Watch a game at Sahlen Field
  • Visit Buffalo Zoo
  • Stroll through Botanical Gardens
  • Enjoy Niagara Falls tour
  • Skate at Canalside
  • Taste wings at Anchor Bar

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Buffalo

Moving from sunny San Diego, CA to the vibrant city of Buffalo, NY offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Diego to Buffalo , giving you a comprehensive view to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Competitive job market
  • Less seasonal weather
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • More affordable housing
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Growing job opportunities
  • Distinct four seasons
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Colder winters
  • Quieter nightlife
  • No beaches
  • Fewer dining varieties
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Warm, sunny weather
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Beaches
  • Diverse dining options

While San Diego boasts endless sunny days, Buffalo welcomes you with the charm of four distinct seasons, offering a vibrant array of colors in fall and a snowy wonderland in winter. The transition might seem daunting, especially with Buffalo's colder winters, but the city compensates with a plethora of community activities and winter sports. In Buffalo, places like Canalside and Albright-Knox Art Gallery offer year-round entertainment. Dining in Buffalo might seem limited compared to San Diego's vast options, but the city prides itself on local specialties like Buffalo wings, found at the famous Anchor Bar, and beef on weck sandwiches. Buffalo's affordability and growing job market might just be the fresh start you're looking for, providing a community-focused lifestyle with less of the hustle and bustle.

San Diego vs. Buffalo Food Guide

Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture and understanding what life is like in a new area. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between San Diego & Buffalo to give you a taste of what culinary delights await you in your new city.

San DiegoBuffalo
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosBuffalo Wings
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBeef on Weck
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoStuffed Banana Peppers
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • George's at the Cove
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • El Indio Mexican Restaurant
  • Anchor Bar
  • Ted's Hot Dogs
  • Gabriel's Gate
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the vibrant Mexican influence is palpable in its food scene, especially with the popularity of fish tacos often found at waterfront eateries and bustling food markets like Liberty Public Market. For those moving to Buffalo, the birthplace of the iconic Buffalo wings, Anchor Bar is a must-visit location that claims to have invented this spicy, tangy dish. Beyond wings, Buffalo has a surprising range of culinary offerings reflective of its diverse community, from classic Beef on Weck sandwiches found in the historic neighborhoods to innovative vegan options in bustling areas like Elmwood Village. Both cities boast a food scene that's reflective of their unique cultural influences and history, promising an exciting culinary adventure.

San Diego vs. Buffalo Restaurant Comparison

Food is a big part of what makes somewhere feel like home. This comparison is designed to ease your transition by helping you find new favorite eateries in Buffalo, NYC, using San Diego as your guide. Whether you're looking for a high-end dining experience or the coziest casual spots, we've matched top San Diego restaurants with their Buffalo counterparts.

San DiegoBuffaloWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyTempo RestaurantHigh-end dining with innovative dishes.
Hodad'sGrover's Bar & GrillIconic burger joint with a cult following.
Cucina UrbanaOsteria 166Italian kitchen with a modern twist.
Phil's BBQFat Bob's SmokehouseAuthentic BBQ experience.
George's at the CoveOliver'sFine dining with stunning views.
Las Cuatro MilpasCantina LocoGreat Mexican food with a lively atmosphere.
The Fish MarketSeabarFresh seafood with a creative menu.
Extraordinary DessertsChurnArtisanal desserts that are both beautiful and delicious.
Slater's 50/50Allen Burger VentureGourmet burgers and craft beer.
Craft & CommerceBuffalo ProperTrendy ambiance with innovative cocktails.

When making the move from San Diego to Buffalo, you'll find that, despite the distance, your new city's culinary scene has much to offer. For example, at Tempo Restaurant, foodies can indulge in innovative dishes that echo the creativity found at San Diego's Juniper & Ivy. If it's the comfort of a good burger you're after, Grover's Bar & Grill in Buffalo serves up a legendary burger reminiscent of Hodad's in San Diego. For those who appreciate the art of barbecue, Fat Bob's Smokehouse mirrors Phil's BBQ with its authentic smokey flavors. This move doesn't have to mean leaving behind your favorite foods; instead, it's an opportunity to discover new favorites in Buffalo.

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Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Buffalo Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate dramatically influences the quality of your move. Understanding the differences in housing between San Diego, CA, and Buffalo, NY, is crucial for making an informed decision about your relocation. This comparison highlights key aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle.

ComparisonSan DiegoBuffalo
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial/Spanish RevivalQueen Anne/Victorian & Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean views, outdoor living spacesHistoric details, spacious lots

When comparing housing in San Diego and Buffalo, notable differences emerge in cost and architectural styles, significantly impacting your living experience. San Diego's higher median home price and rent reflect its coastal appeal and sunny climate, with the Spanish Colonial architecture adding unique charm. In contrast, Buffalo offers a more affordable housing market, with a rich history reflected in its Victorian and Craftsman-style homes. Buffalo's slightly higher walkability score suggests a compact urban layout that might appeal to those who enjoy exploring the city on foot. Additionally, both cities offer distinct lifestyles, with San Diego's emphasis on outdoor living contrasting with Buffalo's historic and spacious residential areas.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY

1. Elmwood Village: Known for its walkable streets and the Elmwood Village Farmers Market, where you can often find pet-friendly vendors and plenty of space for your furry friends to explore.

2. Allentown: This vibrant neighborhood not only boasts a variety of pet-friendly dining options but is also home to the Allentown Association, which organizes events that are welcoming to pets.

3. Hertel Avenue: Famous for its Hertel Avenue Poutine & Cream, which offers outdoor seating where pets are welcome, and its close proximity to several parks where you can enjoy a day out with your pet.

San Diego vs. Buffalo Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, it's essential to understand how the weather differs from what you're accustomed to. This comparison aims to highlight the weather variations between San Diego and Buffalo, providing insight into what to expect as you transition from the west to the east coast.

Summer icon
76°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

79°F / 60°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

31°F / 19°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
12

San Diego, CA

40

Buffalo, NY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

95

Buffalo, NY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoBuffalo
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from the mild, arid clime of San Diego to Buffalo’s varied seasons will require some adjusting. Buffalo experiences harsher winters with significant snowfall, which contrasts sharply with San Diego’s virtually snow-free weather. Moreover, the difference in days of sunshine could impact your outdoor activities and possibly your mood. Understanding these variations can help you properly prepare for your new environment in Buffalo, ensuring a smoother transition to the city's distinctive four-season climate.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Buffalo

When planning to move from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand the financial implications of such a move. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes can help you adjust your budget and expectations. This guide focuses on the financial comparison between San Diego, CA and Buffalo, NY, providing you with a detailed overview to aid in your transition.

ComparisonSan DiegoBuffalo
Avg. Household Income$93,042$40,669
Cost of Living Index132.395.8
State Income Tax1 - 13.34 - 8.82
Avg. Property Tax0.761.68
Avg. Sales Tax7.758.75
Top 3 IndustriesMilitary, International Trade, ResearchHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

Moving from San Diego to Buffalo presents significant financial adjustments. Buffalo's cost of living index is significantly lower, making everyday expenses more manageable on a tighter budget. However, the average household income in Buffalo is also lower, which is a crucial factor to consider. State income taxes vary notably, with New York's rates generally higher than California's, but the difference in the cost of living may offset this. Furthermore, the top industries in each city correspond to different job markets, which could affect your employment opportunities. Understanding these financial dynamics will be essential for a smooth transition to your new home.

San Diego vs. Buffalo Political & Religious Comparison

This brief overview provides a quick glimpse into the political and religious makeup comparison between San Diego & Buffalo. Understanding these facets can offer valuable insight into the cultural and societal atmosphere you're moving into.

San DiegoBuffalo
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsModerately liberalVery liberal
ReligionMixed, with a significant Catholic presence. San Diego Catholic DioceseMixed, historically Catholic. Buffalo Diocese

Both San Diego and Buffalo lean Democratic, reflective of urban voting patterns showing a preference for liberal policies. However, Buffalo is known for its more pronounced liberal stance within local politics, suggesting you're moving to an area where social and political values may be more progressively expressed. The religious landscapes in both cities are relatively diverse, but the strong Catholic roots historically in Buffalo might influence local culture and community activities more prominently than in San Diego. This could shape the community events and religious services available to you after your move.

San Diego vs. Buffalo Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Diego, CA to Buffalo, NY requires adjusting to new driving and transportation dynamics. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Buffalo will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in these cities.

ComparisonSan DiegoBuffalo
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2520
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possible but challengingMore challenging

In San Diego, the average commute time is slightly higher than in Buffalo, reflecting more traffic congestion. With a score of 7 out of 10, San Diego experiences significant congestion, especially during peak hours. Public transportation in San Diego, including the MTS bus and trolley services, is moderately available, making it possible, though challenging, to live without a car. In contrast, Buffalo's lower traffic congestion score of 4 out of 10 and average commute time of 20 minutes can make daily travel quicker. However, with a slightly lower availability of public transit compared to San Diego, relying solely on public transportation may be more difficult in Buffalo. Understanding these differences can help you plan effectively for your relocation and daily commute.

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