Moving from Buffalo, NY to Cincinnati, OH
It is a 436 mi drive, roughly 8h 29m, between Buffalo, NY and Cincinnati, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
436 mi Β· 8h 29m by car Β· OH β PA β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71, I 90, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Columbus, Akron, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 95.844 vs 95.37 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $238,089 vs $249,568.
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Buffalo | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 43.4" |
Annual temperature rises 6.0Β°F moving to Cincinnati per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.17 |
Households in Cincinnati earn about 0.5% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $48,050 in Buffalo β a 7.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 0.5% lower than Buffalo (95.37 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Cincinnati?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 436 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cincinnati compared to Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $238,089 in Buffalo β a 4.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Buffalo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 526,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 436 mi and the route typically takes 8h 29m via I 71 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY Β· Cincinnati, OH.