Philadelphia, PA to Albany, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Philadelphia to Albany typically costs $1,500–$4,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 232 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Philadelphia to Albany
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Albany, NY typically costs $1,500–$4,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 232-mile move from Philadelphia to Albany, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,290 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,653 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,568 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 06, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 01, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Albany
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($300–$800) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Best Philadelphia to Albany movers by type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Philadelphia to Albany
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Philadelphia to Albany, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best PA→NY movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 107 Pennsylvania moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Philadelphia - roughly 29% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $2,541 in Philadelphia. For a family of four, it's $4,205 compared with $6,190.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Philadelphia | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
- If you're heading to Albany from Philadelphia, you'll find that rent is roughly 14% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 30% greater in Albany than in Philadelphia.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Albany compared to Philadelphia.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Albany. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 29% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Choosing to move to Albany can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Philadelphia.
- Albany enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 33% lower compared to Philadelphia, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Albany and Philadelphia (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 255% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Philadelphia and Albany:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Albany.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Albany
| Philadelphia | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 55 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 94% less than Philadelphia.
- Albany's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
- Albany is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 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 Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 10.0 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Albany is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 49.65 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Albany move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: New York doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Albany. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Albany
Now that you've decided to make the move to Smallbany, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in New York, it's time to get out and discover what Albany has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Albany, such as the New York State Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Albany Institute of History & Art, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Albany?
The best time to move from Philadelphia to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Albany?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Albany, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Albany take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Albany, NY covers 232 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Albany.
Which movers in Philadelphia give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Philadelphia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 53 movers in Philadelphia advertise piano moving expertise. 41 movers in Philadelphia provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
