($156+) Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY

Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Albany, NY, runs anywhere from $156 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,147 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $635, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,147 or more.
  • Moving containers run $735 - $2,045, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $156 - $339.
  • 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 $1,120 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,120 - $3,067 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 16% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 86% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 148 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.

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 $635 - $2,734 $735 - $1,196 $156 - $265 $674 - $1,043
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,120 - $3,067 $943 - $1,730 $158 - $306 $704 - $1,370
4+ bedrooms $1,450 - $4,147 $1,203 - $2,045 $193 - $339 $972 - $1,701

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

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 $635 and $4,147. 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: $635 - $2,734
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,120 - $3,067
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,450 - $4,147

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: 61% of Jersey City 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 packingFull crew packing71% of local movers$618 - $6,180
Storage in transitNew place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage$247 - $1,483/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$371 - $2,966
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers$1,236 - $3,708
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,090 - $12,360
Car shippingSecond vehicle$926 - $1,759
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage$1,236 - $3,090
PianoAny piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage$989 - $4,326
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers$371 - $1,854
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ)$803 - $2,472
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$371 - $18,540+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$371 - $4,326+

What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Albany?

Look for New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in New York beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

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 $1,131 - $3,097. Working with a local mover based in Jersey City, NJ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.

The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.

Roadway Moving (4.72/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Jersey City, based on our analysis of feedback from 5,014 customers, 97.1% of which is positive.

Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 10022 | 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 $735 and $2,045. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Jersey City runs about $130/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Albany:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $735 - $1,196
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $943 - $1,730
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,203 - $2,045

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 $735. 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 $943 - $1,730.

What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Albany?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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:

  • Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
  • Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
  • Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY

A rental truck for this 148-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Albany, New York, costs between $156 and $339. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 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: $156 - $265
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $158 - $306
  • 4+ bedrooms: $193 - $339

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $156 - $339 when pricing out a rental truck from Jersey City to Albany. Fuel alone runs $58 - $67, and overnight lodging ($185/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $93 and $433.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $185.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $58 and $67 for the 148-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $865 for 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Albany?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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

If you're moving a larger household from Jersey City, New Jersey, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Albany, New York.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $704 and $1,370.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Albany:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $674 - $1,043
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $704 - $1,370
  • 4+ bedrooms: $972 - $1,701

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?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $865.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $93 and $185 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Albany?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

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 index14099
Average rent$2,975/mo$1,450/mo
Median home value$538,163$222,741
Average income$94,813/yr$59,485/yr
Unemployment rate8.3%7.1%
State income taxUp to 10.7%Up to 10.9%
Walkability score87/10065/100
Safety index56.79/10049.65/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 315 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 148-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 148-mile route from Jersey City, NJ, to Albany, NY, run $635 - $4,147 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $735 - $2,045, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $156 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,120, 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

What is the best time of year to move from Jersey City, NJ 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Jersey City, NJ to Albany, NY?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

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.

What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.