Moving from Buffalo, NY to Savannah, GA
A move from Buffalo, NY to Savannah, GA covers 917 mi and around 17h 33m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
917 mi · 17h 33m by car · NY → PA → WV → VA → NC → SC → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → WV → VA → NC → SC → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 79, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Concord, Charlotte, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Savannah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 95.206 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 88.603 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 96.269 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 86.012 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Buffalo (95.844) and Savannah (95.206) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Savannah: 0.7% above Buffalo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Buffalo | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 48.1" |
Major climate step-up: 18.7°F warmer annual average in Savannah vs Buffalo.
Effectively snow-free year in Savannah — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 147,546 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $56,782 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.52 |
Median household income in Savannah is 0.7% above Buffalo ($48,050 → $56,782, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Savannah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,950 | $41,600 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,870 | $37,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 21,400 | $28,500 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 18,460 | $31,030 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,220 | $76,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Savannah average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Buffalo and Savannah?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 67.5°F in Savannah vs 48.8°F in Buffalo (18.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 95.4 in. Annual precipitation: 48.1 in vs 40.7 in.
How far is Savannah, GA from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 917 mi and the route typically takes 17h 33m via I 77 and I 79. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Savannah?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 917 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Savannah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $48,050 in Buffalo — a 18.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Savannah compared to Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $238,089 in Buffalo — a 37.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Savannah more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 0.7% lower than Buffalo (95.206 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Savannah compare to Buffalo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,490 in the Savannah MSA vs $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 526,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY · Savannah, GA.