($528+) Chicago, IL to Albany, NY Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Albany, NY, runs anywhere from $528 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,814 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 817 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,746, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,814 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,012 - $3,377, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $528 - $1,495.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Albany, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,280 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Albany: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,280 - $5,674. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 817 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 817-mile route from Chicago to Albany, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,746 - $4,289 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,012 - $1,923), rental truck ($528 - $1,017), or freight trailer ($977 - $1,713). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,280 - $5,674 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,814.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 817-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Albany, New York, with costs ranging from $1,746 - $7,814. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $310 - $2,064. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Albany. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,746 - $4,289
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,280 - $5,674
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,769 - $7,814
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Albany.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Albany, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $516 - $5,160 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $206 - $1,238/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,477 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,032 - $3,096 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,580 - $10,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $773 - $1,469 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,032 - $2,580 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $826 - $3,612 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $310 - $1,548 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $671 - $2,064 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,480+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,612+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Albany?
New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in New York, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Albany, New York, cost between $1,012 and $3,377. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,012 - $1,923
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,423 - $2,803
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,763 - $3,377
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Albany, NY. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $722 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $155 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to New York move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,012. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,423 - $2,803.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Albany?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Albany, New York, range from $528 - $1,495 for the 817-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $268 - $307
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Albany based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $528 - $1,017
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $588 - $1,283
- 4+ bedrooms: $759 - $1,495
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Albany starts at $528 - $1,495, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($268 - $307), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $722.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $268 - $307 for the 817-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $335, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 817-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $310 - $464.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Albany?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Albany, New York, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,095 and $2,069.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $977 - $1,713
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,095 - $2,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,543 - $2,926
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chicago, Illinois, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $722.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $155 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Albany?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Albany fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Albany, NY
Day-to-day costs in Albany are close to what you're used to in Chicago: cost of living index of 99 versus 106, with average rent of $1,450/mo compared to $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago versus 65/100 and 49.65/100 in Albany.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albany, NY to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to New York in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 314 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 817-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Albany, NY, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,746 - $7,814 on the 817-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,012 - $3,377 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $528 - $1,495 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,280 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Research Foundation for SUNY and Equinox.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Albany, NY
How do I know a mover is licensed in New York?
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Albany a safe place to live?
Albany has a safety index of 49.65 out of 100 and a crime index of 10.0, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $588 - $1,283. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.