($169+) Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ Movers
Moving from Albany, NY, to Jersey City, NJ, runs anywhere from $161 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,124 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 148 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $606, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,124 or more.
- Moving containers run $780 - $2,190, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $161 - $367.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albany, NY, to Jersey City, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,092 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 Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ
Moving options from Albany to Jersey City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,092 - $3,405 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 148 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 148-mile route from Albany to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $606 - $2,638 | $780 - $1,268 | $161 - $262 | $687 - $1,199 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,092 - $3,405 | $923 - $1,693 | $167 - $315 | $801 - $1,397 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,593 - $4,124 | $1,225 - $2,190 | $209 - $367 | $991 - $1,751 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ
For the 148-mile move from Albany, New York, to Jersey City, New Jersey, full-service movers cost between $606 and $4,124. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $346 - $2,308 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Albany generally start around $295 plus $115 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albany to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $606 - $2,638
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,092 - $3,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $4,124
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 Albany to Jersey City.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to New Jersey. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of Albany movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Jersey City, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing88% of local movers | $577 - $5,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mabey's Moving & Storage | $231 - $1,385/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $346 - $2,770 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,154 - $3,462 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,885 - $11,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $864 - $1,642 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $1,154 - $2,885 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $923 - $4,039 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $346 - $1,731 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoff Moving & Storage | $750 - $2,308 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $346 - $17,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $346 - $4,039+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albany to Jersey City?
All three below meet the standards set by the New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association, the group most New Jersey movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Albany, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Albany to Jersey City with a local mover averages $1,071 - $3,337. A local mover in Albany, NY is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Clark Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Albany, based on our analysis of feedback from 81 customers, 81.5% of which is positive.
Address: 198 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY, 12303 | Founded: 1993
Moving container costs from Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Albany, New York, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $780 and $2,190. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Jersey City. If you go over that window, storage in Albany adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albany to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $780 - $1,268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $923 - $1,693
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,225 - $2,190
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Albany, NY, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $808, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $87 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $173 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Albany, NY, and Jersey City, NJ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York to New Jersey 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 $780. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $923 - $1,693, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Albany to Jersey City?
- 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 Albany 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 Albany:
- Don's Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 76 years in business
- Five College Movers (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- Your Hometown Mover (5.0/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ
A rental truck for this 148-mile move from Albany, New York, to Jersey City, New Jersey, costs between $161 and $367. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $54 - $62
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Albany daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Albany to Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $161 - $262
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $167 - $315
- 4+ bedrooms: $209 - $367
Pro tip: A rental truck from Albany to Jersey City looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $161 - $367. But once you factor in fuel ($54 - $62) , overnight lodging ($173/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Albany, New York, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $808.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $54 - $62 for the 148-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 $69 and $375, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $173 per night for hotel stops on the 148-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $346 - $519.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albany to Jersey City?
- 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 Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Albany, New York, to Jersey City, New Jersey, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $801 and $1,397.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albany to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $687 - $1,199
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $801 - $1,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $991 - $1,751
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $87 - $173 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Albany, New York, typically costs $808.
What are the best freight companies from Albany to Jersey City?
- 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.
- Warren W Fane, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Warren W Fane, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Albany to Jersey City, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Albany, NY vs Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Albany on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Albany, NY | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 99 | 140 |
| Average rent | $1,450/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $222,741 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $59,485/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 65/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 49.65/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New York to New Jersey, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 147 movers in New York, so you have real options to compare for this 148-mile move.
Our take
The 148-mile move from Albany, NY, to Jersey City, NJ, costs between $606 and $4,124 with full-service movers, $780 - $2,190 with a moving container, and $161 - $367 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,092 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Albany, NY, to Jersey City, NJ
Is Jersey City a safe place to live?
Jersey City has a safety index of 56.79 out of 100 and a crime index of 43.21, compared to 49.65 and 10.0 in Albany. 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 Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ?
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 $167 - $315. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Jersey City?
For families, Greenville, Mcginley Square, and West Side are worth a look in Jersey City. If you're moving solo or without kids, Journal Square, Mcginley Square, and The Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Albany?
Local movers based in Albany typically start around $295 as a base rate, plus $115/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Jersey City run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Albany movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Albany handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
