Top local movers for Boston to Albany moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Boston that also provides long-distance services to Albany can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 96 local movers in Boston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Boston to Albany.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Albany?
Movers in Massachusetts generally charge an average of $126 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $663 – $2,476 | $497 – $1,233 | $183 – $310 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,227 – $3,454 | $982 – $1,709 | $185 – $351 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,731 – $4,792 | $1,170 – $2,198 | $236 – $422 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Albany
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Boston to Albany typically costs between $663 and $2,476. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,227 and $3,454 when moving from Boston to Albany. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Boston to Albany, you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,731 up to $4,792.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Albany
If you’re relocating from Boston to Albany, you’ll typically spend between $497 and $1,233 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $982 up to $1,709. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,170 and $2,198. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Albany
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Boston to Albany move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $183 and $310. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $185 to $351. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $236 and $422.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Boston to Albany
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Boston to Albany might be as low as $943, while a four-bedroom could reach $4,162.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Boston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $183 to $394 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Boston to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Boston – roughly 63% less for singles and 63% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $4,820 in Boston. For a family of four, it’s $4,205 compared with $11,304.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Boston | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 10.9% |
- Good news! When moving to Albany from Boston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 57% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 62% cheaper in Albany, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 25% lower in Albany than in Boston.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Albany. The cost of living for a single person is 63% less compared to Boston.
- Relocating to Albany could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 63% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Albany exceeds that of Boston by about 15%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Albany exceed those in Boston by 28%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 21% higher in New York than in Massachusetts. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Boston and Albany, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Boston | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Boston and Albany.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Boston and Albany.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread is more expensive in Boston than in Albany.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Albany.
How life is different in Boston vs. Albany
| Boston | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 55 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany’s population is about 85% less than Boston.
- Albany’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Albany is less walkable than Boston with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 out of 100.
- Albany has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Albany’s crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 10.0 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Albany is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 49.65 vs Boston’s 60.12.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Boston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Albany move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in New York, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Albany without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Albany
Ready to relocate to Smallbany? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Albany.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Center Square
- Hudson Park
- Park South
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Downtown
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
- North Albany/Shaker Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Park South
- Hudson Park
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Union Street
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
Now that you’ve made the move to New York, it’s the perfect time to explore Albany. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Albany include museums and art centers like the New York State Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Albany Institute of History & Art, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Albany?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to Albany. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Albany?
With many people choosing to move from Boston to Albany in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Boston to Albany take?
Covering 168 miles, the move from Boston, MA to Albany, typically takes one to two days. Some Boston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Albany can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Boston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Boston can handle specialty items for my move to Albany?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Boston, 86 movers can handle pianos. 57 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MA, there are 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Boston moving services
Popular Massachusetts routes
- Massachusetts to New York car shippers
- Massachusetts to California movers
- Massachusetts to Florida movers
- Massachusetts to Georgia movers
- Massachusetts to Illinois movers
- Massachusetts to Michigan movers
- Massachusetts to New York movers
- Massachusetts to North Carolina movers
- Massachusetts to Ohio movers
- Massachusetts to Pennsylvania movers
- Massachusetts to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!