Best Washington DC to Buffalo Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Washington DC to Buffalo and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 383 mile move from DC to New York go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 28 Washington DC to Buffalo moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Buffalo Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
2Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
3Ap Pro Moving Llc9.439.39ActiveContact
4Wayfinder Moving Services 9.038.92Authorized For HHGContact
5Joey Z's Moving8.888.66ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Washington DC to Buffalo

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 383 miles from Washington DC, DC to Buffalo, NY will cost on average $1,791 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Washington DC to Buffalo move is roughly $4,284. 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$1,207300 ft³4.02
1 Bedroom$1,791450 ft³3.98
2 Bedrooms$2,953750 ft³3.94
3 Bedrooms$4,2841100 ft³3.89
4 Bedrooms$6,1641600 ft³3.85
5+ Bedrooms$6,8581800 ft³3.81
*Please note: These DC to New York moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from DC & 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 DC to NY mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Buffalo to Washington DC guide.

Compare the 5 Best Washington DC to Buffalo Movers

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

Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo

Ap Pro Moving Llc

Exceptional9.43/10
based on 361+ data points

5021 Seminary Rd # 822

Alexandria, VA, 22311

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
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
4
Joey Z's Moving Logo

Joey Z's Moving

Superb8.88/10
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.

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Neighborhood Comparison

Planning a move can be daunting, especially when relocating to a new city. To ease this transition, we've created a guide aimed at helping you familiarize yourself with your future hometown utilizing a comparison you're familiar with. By comparing the top neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC & Buffalo, NY , we aim to find the Buffalo neighborhood that best matches your current DC locale, making your move as seamless as possible.

Washington DCBuffaloHow They're Similar
GeorgetownElmwood VillageHistoric charm, vibrant shopping
Dupont CircleAllentownDynamic nightlife, diverse community
Capitol HillNorth BuffaloFamily-friendly, community-oriented
Logan CircleWest SideDiverse, artistic hub
Adams MorganElmwood StripEclectic eateries, lively atmosphere
ShawHertel AvenueEmerging arts scene, trendy spots
Navy YardCanalsideWaterfront activities, revitalized area
Columbia HeightsKenmoreAffordable, close-knit community
NomaLarkinvilleIndustrial revival, innovative spaces
PetworthSouth BuffaloResidential, growing with potential

Those moving from Georgetown's historic and cobblestoned streets will find Elmwood Village’s vibrant atmosphere and preserved architecture familiar and inviting, offering an array of boutique shops similar to Georgetown's own M Street. Dupont Circle's eclectic mix of cultural institutions, bars, and the Washington DC Food Truck Association's gatherings share a communal vibe with Allentown's diverse eateries and rich nightlife. For those accustomed to the family-oriented and politically vibrant community of Capitol Hill, North Buffalo offers a comparable sense of camaraderie amidst its neighborhood gatherings and local shops. Logan Circle's art enthusiasts will appreciate West Side’s burgeoning arts scene, characterized by murals and independent galleries that echo Logan Circle’s creative spirit. Meanwhile, Adams Morgan’s lovers of night-time entertainment and diverse culinary options might find Elmwood Strip's lively bars and unique festivals a comparable substitute, ensuring a continuity of cultural and social engagement in their new Buffalo neighborhood.

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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 Washington DC to Buffalo

Moving from one city to another involves weighing various factors to make the best decision for you and your family. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Washington DC, DC to Buffalo, NY , keeping your needs and preferences in focus.

CONs
PROs
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Political environment
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Cooler summers
  • Less political tension
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Snowy winters
  • Smaller culinary scene
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Lesser global flights
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • Rich culture
  • Diverse culinary scene
  • Numerous landmarks
  • Global connectivity

When you move from Washington DC to Buffalo, you'll trade the bustling, politically charged atmosphere for a calmer, more affordable lifestyle. Buffalo's allure isn't just in its lower living costs; it's in its vibrant community and the chance to enjoy seasons without the extremes of DC's summer humidity or traffic congestion. Enjoy exploring places like Albright-Knox Art Gallery, feasting on wings at the original Anchor Bar, or taking serene walks in Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Though you might find Buffalo’s culinary scene more limited, establishments like Gabriel's Gate offer a taste of local flavor that holds its own. Buffalo is a city that welcomes newcomers with open arms and the promise of a quieter, yet richly fulfilling lifestyle.

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Food Guide

Understanding that food is a crucial aspect of local culture and the living experience, this guide aims to inform you about the culinary world you’re stepping into. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & Buffalo, enabling you to get a taste of the food scene you're about to dive into.

Washington DCBuffalo
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeBuffalo wings
Most popular meat dishSteakBeef on Weck
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosSponge Candy
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlsVegan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Zaytinya
  • Anchor Bar
  • Schwabl's
  • Gabriel's Gate
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Washington DC to Buffalo, you'll transition from a city known for its food trucks and international cuisine to a place celebrated for its comfort food and iconic dishes like Buffalo wings, found at the legendary Anchor Bar. Washington DC offers a bustling foodie scene with a rich mix of upscale dining and street food, with iconic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl. In contrast, Buffalo showcases a range of comfort foods and has a strong sense of community around its local eateries, with places like Schwabl's epitomizing the city’s love for Beef on Weck. While both cities offer vegan options, DC’s diverse culinary scene provides a slightly wider variety. Moving to Buffalo, you’ll find a city proud of its food heritage, where neighborhoods like Elmwood Village buzz with culinary activity.

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in new surroundings often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison between top restaurants in Washington DC and Buffalo, NY, is designed to ease the transition by helping you identify your next favorite eateries, leveraging your current favorites as a guide.

Washington DCBuffaloWhat You'll Love
Le DiplomateRue FranklinA sophisticated atmosphere with French cuisine.
ZaytinyaMezzaDepicts a similar celebration of Mediterranean flavors.
RasikaTandoori's Royal Indian CuisineAuthentic Indian dishes in an elegant setting.
Ben's Chili BowlTed's Hot DogsIconic local spot known for its unique hot dog offerings.
Rose's LuxuryToutantShares a commitment to exceptional Southern-inspired cuisine.
The DabneyCRāVingFarm-to-table experience focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
Bad SaintLas PuertasA small, vibrant spot offering a unique dining experience.
Fiola MareHutch'sKnown for its seafood and upscale dining experience.
MaydanWest Side BazaarGlobal eats showcase with a variety of international cuisines.
PlumeRistorante LombardoItalian fine dining with a commitment to quality and luxury.

For enthusiasts longing for the cosmopolitan vibes and flavors of Washington DC, you'll find Buffalo's dining scene both familiar and exciting. Take Las Puertas, for instance: akin to Bad Saint's intimate setting and innovative cuisine, it offers a culinary journey that is both unique and satisfying. Then there's Rue Franklin, providing that touch of French sophistication much like Le Diplomate, making it an excellent option for those special dining occasions. Exploring these establishments, you'll discover not only comparable culinary delights but also the warm, welcoming community that defines Buffalo. Whether it's the soul-warming Indian dishes of Tandoori's Royal Indian Cuisine echoing the intricate flavors of Rasika, or CRāVing's farm-to-table ethos reminiscent of The Dabney, Buffalo is ready to surprise you with its rich tapestry of taste experiences.

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Ready to start your move?

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's crucial to understand how your potential new home stacks up in terms of real estate. This comparison between Washington DC and Buffalo, NY focuses on various housing aspects, such as cost and lifestyle, to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonWashington DCBuffalo
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and VictorianQueen Anne and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Metro, Historic DetailAffordability, Close-knit communities

When diving deeper into the housing comparison, the differences in median home prices and monthly rent between Washington DC and Buffalo are quite pronounced, reflecting the distinct cost of living in each city. Washington DC, known for its Federal and Victorian architecture, offers a more urban lifestyle with higher walkability and bikeability scores, catering well to those seeking an active city life. In contrast, Buffalo’s charm lies in its affordable housing, Queen Anne and Craftsman-style homes, and a strong sense of community, which might attract those looking for a slower-paced urban experience. Each city boasts unique attributes that cater to different preferences, whether it’s being close to the hustle and bustle of the capital or enjoying the laid-back, communal vibe of a historic city.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Washington DC to Buffalo, it's crucial to understand how the weather differs between these cities. This comparison will help you grasp what to expect and how to prepare for the change in climate conditions , ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Summer icon
87°F / 71°F

Washington DC, DC

79°F / 60°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 29°F

Washington DC, DC

31°F / 19°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40

Washington DC, DC

40

Buffalo, NY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.5

Washington DC, DC

95

Buffalo, NY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWashington DCBuffalo
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, HeatwavesSnowstorms, Lake-effect snow
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

From the weather chart, it's evident that Buffalo experiences much colder winters with significant snowfall compared to Washington DC. If you're moving to Buffalo, you'll encounter fewer sunny days annually and should prepare for the colder climate by having the right winter gear. Additionally, the higher average annual humidity in Buffalo might affect those sensitive to such conditions, especially during warmer months. Adjusting to different seasonal allergies may also be necessary, although the main allergens remain consistent between the two locations. Embracing these changes will be key to enjoying your new environment in Buffalo.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington DC to Buffalo

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape you're entering is crucial. This guide aims to compare the cost of living, state and local taxes, and other financial considerations between Washington DC and Buffalo, NY . Knowing these details will help you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonWashington DCBuffalo
Avg. Household Income$90,088$40,669
Cost of Living Index140.195.8
State Income Tax4% - 8.95%4% - 8.82%
Avg. Property Tax0.55%2.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6%8.75%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Professional Services, Education and HealthEducation and Health Services, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, and Manufacturing
AffluenceModerately affluentModerately
PovertySubstantialConsiderable
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from Washington DC to Buffalo, you'll notice a significant difference in the average household income and cost of living, with Buffalo being more affordable on both fronts. However, Buffalo has a higher average property tax rate, which is something to consider if you're looking to buy a home. Another key difference is the top industries, which could affect job opportunities depending on your field. Despite Washington DC’s higher cost of living, both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, albeit to varying degrees.

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison between Washington DC & Buffalo aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, helping you understand the community you're moving into.

Washington DCBuffalo
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticMostly Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal policiesProgressive tendencies
ReligionMixed, with a significant Christian presencePrimarily Christian, with diverse religious communities

When you move from Washington DC to Buffalo, you'll find both cities share a predominantly Democratic political lean but differ in the intensity and expression of their local politics and policies. While Washington DC is known for its overwhelmingly liberal stance on many national issues, Buffalo demonstrates a progressive approach but with a stronger emphasis on local and community matters. The religious landscape is quite diverse in both cities, predominantly Christian, yet they both embrace a variety of other religious communities, reflecting a rich cultural diversity in both places. Adjusting to your new surroundings in Buffalo, you'll continue to enjoy a politically active environment, albeit with its unique local flavor.

Washington DC vs. Buffalo Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Washington DC to Buffalo, NY offers a unique opportunity to compare the traffic and transportation options between these two cities. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, preparing you for the differences you'll encounter in your new home.

ComparisonWashington DCBuffalo
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)34.520.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with effortMore challenging

The commute in Washington DC is longer and more congested compared to Buffalo, reflecting the larger population and density of the nation's capital. Public transit is more robust in DC, thanks to the extensive Metro system, making it feasible, though sometimes challenging, to live without a car. In Buffalo, the commute is quicker with significantly less congestion. However, the public transportation options are not as comprehensive, making car ownership more of a necessity for navigating the city effectively. Adjusting to Buffalo's transit from DC's extensive network might take some time, but you'll likely enjoy the shorter commute and the easier driving conditions.

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