Best Buffalo to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Buffalo to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,629 mile move from New York to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 Buffalo to San Diego 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 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Buffalo compared to San Diego. 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 Buffalo to San Diego 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
4Joey Z's Moving8.908.66ActiveContact
5Conjerti Moving Express and Storage8.257.87Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Buffalo to San Diego

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,629 miles from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA will cost on average $4,017 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Buffalo to San Diego move is roughly $9,709. 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$2,693300 ft³8.98
1 Bedroom$4,017450 ft³8.93
2 Bedrooms$6,657750 ft³8.88
3 Bedrooms$9,7091100 ft³8.83
4 Bedrooms$14,0421600 ft³8.78
5+ Bedrooms$15,7081800 ft³8.73
*Please note: These New York to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New York & California. 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 NY to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Buffalo guide.

Compare the 5 Best Buffalo to San Diego 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
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
4
Conjerti Moving Express and Storage Logo

Conjerti Moving Express and Storage

Very Good8.25/10
based on 112+ data points

6707 Lincoln Ave

Lockport, NY, 14094

About Conjerti Moving Express and Storage

Conjerti Moving is a family-owned and operated business providing quality moving services to the residents of Buffalo, NY. It is highly...

Services

  • Local Moving & Packing
  • Cross-country Long Distance
  • Corporate Office Moving & Employee Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/8/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1397261 / 574726

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved147,261 (2021)
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.

Buffalo vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. Our guide aims to simplify this process by offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Buffalo, NY & San Diego, CA . Whether you're drawn to the vibrant culture, serene parks, or historic charm of your current locale, we've found the San Diego equivalents to help you transition smoothly.

BuffaloSan DiegoHow They're Similar
Elmwood VillageHillcrestDiverse, vibrant community
AllentownNorth ParkArtsy, with a rich historical background
North BuffaloPacific BeachLively, with a mix of dining and entertainment
South BuffaloOcean BeachRelaxed beach town vibe
Delaware DistrictLa JollaUpscale, picturesque seaside area
West SideBarrio LoganCulturally rich, with a strong community feel
Hertel AvenueLittle ItalyBustling with eateries and markets
CanalsideSeaport VillageScenic waterfront shopping and dining
ParksideBalboa ParkCultural heart with parks and museums
LarkinvilleGaslamp QuarterHistoric with a vibrant nightlife

For those who adore the eclectic mix of shops and cafes in Buffalo's Elmwood Village, San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood will feel like a breath of fresh air with its diverse and vibrant community. Hillcrest is known for its wide range of restaurants and bars, perfect for social butterflies. If the historic and artsy vibe of Allentown appeals to you, then North Park's rich cultural background, coupled with its local craft beer scene and art galleries, will be right up your alley. For those drawn to the waterfront charm and concert venues of Canalside, Seaport Village offers a scenic alternative, boasting waterfront dining and unique shopping experiences. Meanwhile, the resemblance between Buffalo's Parkside and San Diego's Balboa Park extends beyond name, as both are cherished for their lush green spaces and cultural institutions, like the renowned San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Museum of Art, ensuring you won't miss out on serene walks or enriching afternoons.

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Things to Do in San Diego

  • Visit the San Diego Zoo
  • Tour the USS Midway Museum
  • Explore Balboa Park
  • Relax at Coronado Beach
  • Dine in Little Italy
  • Experience SeaWorld San Diego
  • Play golf at Torrey Pines

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Buffalo to San Diego

Moving from one city to another can be a life-changing event, and it's essential to weigh both the pros and cons. This comparison will provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA , ensuring you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Harsh winters
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Less diverse cuisine
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Year-round sunshine
  • Larger job market
  • Diverse outdoor activities
  • Varied international cuisine
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Costly housing
  • More transient population
  • Heavy traffic
  • Younger city vibe
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Affordable housing
  • Close-knit community
  • Less traffic
  • Rich history

Moving from Buffalo to San Diego means trading harsh winters for year-round sunshine and the opportunity to engage in a variety of outdoor activities, from surfing at La Jolla Shores to hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The transition offers a chance to explore a more diverse job market, especially in tech and biotech sectors. Conversely, you'll find the cost of living, particularly housing, considerably higher in San Diego. However, neighborhoods like Hillcrest and Little Italy offer vibrant cultural experiences, from international cuisine to buzzing farmers markets, somewhat mitigating the cons with their rich community vibes and unique local businesses.

Buffalo vs. San Diego Food Guide

When considering a move, the local cuisine reflects the essence of life in a new city. Food is a pivotal part of local culture and everyday life. To better prepare for your culinary adventure, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Buffalo & San Diego so you can savor what awaits in both locations.

BuffaloSan Diego
Most iconic local food itemBuffalo WingsFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishBeef on WeckCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemSponge CandyCalifornia Burrito
Most popular vegan foodBuffalo CauliflowerJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Anchor Bar
  • Gabriel's Gate
  • Ted's Hot Dogs
  • Hodad's
  • Phil's BBQ
  • George's at the Cove
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Beyond these comparisons, San Diego's culinary scene thrives in its vibrant neighborhoods. For instance, Ocean Beach is home to Hodad’s, renowned for its burgers, while Phil's BBQ in Point Loma is a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts. These districts not only offer iconic meals but also embody the health-conscious, outdoor lifestyle prevalent in San Diego. The city’s high score for being vegan-friendly is evident with numerous spots like in Hillcrest, where plant-based options abound. Furthermore, the food truck scene flourishes across the city, reflecting the diversity and innovation of San Diego’s culinary landscape.

Buffalo vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering great places to eat. This comparison of Buffalo and San Diego's top dining spots aims to ease your transition by highlighting familiar flavors in your new coastal home. Let this guide be your culinary compass, from indulging in beloved local dishes to exploring new food landscapes. From Buffalo to San Diego, discover your next favorite eatery.

BuffaloSan DiegoWhat You'll Love
Gabriel's GateBorn & RaisedHigh-quality meats and a classic steakhouse vibe
Anchor BarDirty BirdsKnown for wing variety and lively atmosphere
Ted's Hot DogsNot Not TacosInventive tacos with unique fillings, echoing Ted's creativity with hot dogs
Allen Burger VentureHodad'sIconic burgers with a similarly devoted local following
Marble + RyeHerb & WoodNew American cuisine with a focus on wood-fired dishes
Paula's DonutsDonut BarFamous for its innovative and oversized donuts
La NovaBuona ForchettaAuthentic Italian flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals
Lloyd Taco FactoryLucha Libre Gourmet Taco ShopA vibrant spot for innovative tacos and Mexican cuisine
Helium Comedy ClubThe Comedy StoreTop-tier comedy acts in a legendary setting
Schwabl'sDZ Akin'sA deli offering hearty meals with an emphasis on comfort food

Imagine sitting down at Dirty Birds in San Diego, where the ambiance and diverse wing flavors immediately take you back to the lively nights spent at Anchor Bar in Buffalo. In the mood for a gourmet hot dog or taco? San Diego’s Not Not Tacos serves up innovation on a plate, much like Ted's Hot Dogs does, but with a twist that's distinctly Californian. When a burger craving hits, Hodad's in San Diego offers an iconic burger experience that rivals that of Allen Burger Venture. Each bite at Hodad's feels like a homage to the craft of burger making, wrapping you in the familiar comfort of what you loved back in Buffalo but with a distinct SoCal flair.

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Ready to start your move?

Buffalo vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding how the real estate landscapes of Buffalo, NY and San Diego, CA compare is crucial. Getting to grips with differences in housing costs, architecture styles, and the general lifestyle each city offers can significantly influence your decision-making process.

ComparisonBuffaloSan Diego
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalModern and Spanish Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, historic charmOcean views, outdoor living spaces

In comparing Buffalo and San Diego, it's evident the two cities cater to distinct lifestyles influenced by their housing markets. While Buffalo's real estate emphasizes affordability and historic charm, with many listings highlighting hardwood floors and Colonial Revival architecture, San Diego's market is driven by its scenic beauty and higher cost of living, evidenced by the prevalence of ocean views and outdoor living spaces in listings. This contrast not only affects your cost of living but also the type of community and activities you'll have access to. Considering San Diego's superior walkability and bikeability scores, those prioritizing an active, urban lifestyle might find it more appealing, albeit at a higher cost.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA

1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.

2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.

3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.

Buffalo vs. San Diego Weather Considerations

If you're considering a move from one city to another, it's vital to grasp how your day-to-day life might change, particularly when it comes to the weather. This comparison aims to shed light on the weather differences between Buffalo and San Diego , offering insights into what you can expect as you transition from the East to the West Coast.

Summer icon
79°F / 60°F

Buffalo, NY

77°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31°F / 19°F

Buffalo, NY

66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.5"

Buffalo, NY

12"

San Diego, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
95"

Buffalo, NY

0"

San Diego, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonBuffaloSan Diego
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, BlizzardsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Adjusting to the weather in San Diego from Buffalo will bring significant changes, especially in terms of winter temperatures and sunshine. Buffalo's harsh winters with heavy snowfall are a stark contrast to San Diego's mild, sunny winters. With over 100 more days of sunshine per year, life in San Diego allows for more outdoor activities year-round. The absence of snow and the increase in sunny days are perhaps the most dramatic changes you will experience. Furthermore, San Diego's lower annual rainfall and humidity levels contribute to its reputation for having one of the most comfortable climates in the United States.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will enlighten you on the cost of living, taxes, and income disparities between Buffalo and San Diego, helping you anticipate and adapt to the monetary changes awaiting you.

ComparisonBuffaloSan Diego
Avg. Household Income$40,669$93,042
Cost of Living Index95.8132.3
State Income Tax6.33 to 8.821 to 13.3
Avg. Property Tax1.680.76
Avg. Sales Tax8.757.75
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingDefense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow to Moderate
HomelessnessHighVery High

In Buffalo, the average household income is notably lower, reflecting the city's more affordable cost of living as compared to San Diego. However, San Diego boasts a significantly higher median household income, which is essential to contend with a cost of living index that exceeds the national average. When considering taxation, New York State's income tax is higher, but California’s tiered system can top out at a higher rate, affecting those with higher incomes more significantly. San Diego's lower property tax rate may seem advantageous, but it's crucial to take into account its significantly higher housing costs. Lastly, both cities have robust job markets but in distinct sectors; understanding these local industries can be pivotal in securing employment post-move.

Buffalo vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. It aims to familiarize you with the community landscape as you plan your move from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA. Understanding these aspects can help in setting expectations and easing the transition.

BuffaloSan Diego
Political Make-upDemocratically leaningDemocratically leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive in city policies and governanceModerate with a mix of progressive initiatives
ReligionDiverse, with Catholic and Protestant communities being significantDiverse, with a notable presence of Catholic, Protestant, and increasing non-religious groups

Both Buffalo and San Diego share a Democratic inclination in their political makeup, which may make the political transition smoother for you. However, San Diego often demonstrates a more moderate approach to local politics, incorporating progressive initiatives while maintaining a balance that caters to a wider spectrum of political beliefs. In terms of religious composition, both cities boast a diverse range of faith communities. However, you might find San Diego's increased representation of non-religious groups and broader spectrum of religious beliefs particularly unique. This diversity reflects the cosmopolitan nature of San Diego, offering a welcoming environment regardless of your religious beliefs.

Buffalo vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When planning your move from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA, understanding the contrast in traffic and transportation options between the two cities is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight key differences in daily commute experiences, facilitating a smoother transition for newcomers.

ComparisonBuffaloSan Diego
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2025
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible, but difficult

Your move to San Diego from Buffalo will introduce you to different commuting norms. While the average commute time in San Diego is slightly longer, it's the increased traffic congestion rating that you'll notice. However, San Diego offers a bit better public transit options, with services like the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System enhancing mobility. Although not owning a car in Buffalo is challenging due to less efficient public transit, San Diego, despite its broader options, still makes living without a car difficult due to its sprawling layout. Adjusting to these differences will be key to making your move as smooth as possible.

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