($156+) Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Albany, NY, runs anywhere from $153 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,484 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 $640, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,484 or more.
- Moving containers run $780 - $2,125, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $153 - $356.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Albany, NY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,106 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 Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY
Moving options from Jersey City to Albany fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,106 - $3,321 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 Jersey City to Albany, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $640 - $2,728 | $780 - $1,307 | $153 - $278 | $653 - $1,106 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,106 - $3,321 | $914 - $1,781 | $167 - $299 | $739 - $1,382 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,649 - $4,484 | $1,238 - $2,125 | $199 - $356 | $1,011 - $1,734 |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY
Hiring full-service movers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Albany, New York, costs between $640 and $4,484. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 148-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $371 - $2,472, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Jersey City and Albany. For a rough baseline, movers based in Jersey City tend to start around $256 plus $139/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $640 - $2,728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $3,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,649 - $4,484
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 Jersey City to Albany.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Albany, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $618 - $6,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $247 - $1,483/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $371 - $2,966 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,236 - $3,708 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,090 - $12,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $926 - $1,759 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Great Movers | $1,236 - $3,090 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $989 - $4,326 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $371 - $1,854 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Zeromax Moving and Storage | $803 - $2,472 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $371 - $18,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $371 - $4,326+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Albany?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Jersey City, NJ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Jersey City to Albany with a local mover averages $1,117 - $3,354. A local mover in Jersey City, NJ 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.
Roadway Moving (4.78/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Jersey City, ranked # in New Jersey, based on our analysis of feedback from 790 customers, 92.3% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 11232 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Albany, New York, cost between $780 and $2,125. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Jersey City typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $780 - $1,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $914 - $1,781
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,238 - $2,125
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Jersey City, NJ 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 $865 in Jersey City, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $93 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $185 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 New Jersey 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 $780. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $914 - $1,781, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Dumbo Moving and Storage (4.5/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY
Plan on $153 - $356 for a rental moving truck on the 148-mile route from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Albany, New York. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $58 - $67
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Jersey City to Albany based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $153 - $278
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $167 - $299
- 4+ bedrooms: $199 - $356
Pro tip: A rental truck from Jersey City to Albany looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $153 - $356. But once you factor in fuel ($58 - $67) , overnight lodging ($185/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 Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $865.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $58 - $67 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 $74 and $402, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $185 per night for hotel stops on the 148-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $371 - $556.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City 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 Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $739 and $1,382.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Albany:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $653 - $1,106
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $739 - $1,382
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,011 - $1,734
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $93 - $185 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 Jersey City, New Jersey, typically costs $865.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Albany?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Albany quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ vs Albany, NY
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Albany, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Albany, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 99 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $222,741 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $59,485/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 10.9% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 65/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 49.65/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Albany, NY to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to New York, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 89 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 148-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 148-mile route from Jersey City, NJ, to Albany, NY, run $640 - $4,484 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $780 - $2,125, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $153 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,106, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Research Foundation for SUNY and Equinox.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Albany, NY
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 56.79 and 43.21 in Jersey City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Albany?
Albany has a walkability score of 65 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 55, compared to 87 and 64 in Jersey City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Albany?
For families, Center Square, Helderberg, and Melrose are worth a look in Albany. If you're moving solo or without kids, Center Square, Hudson Park, and Park South tend to be popular picks instead.
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 do local movers charge in Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/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 Albany run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
