Factors influencing moving costs from Phoenix to Albany
What to know before moving from Phoenix to Albany
Moving from Phoenix to Albany means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Phoenix than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Phoenix compares to Albany so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Phoenix | Albany | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,450 |
Average home value | $411,139 | $281,584 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $66,546 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $1,801 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $4,205 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 8.6% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Albany are 15% lower than in Phoenix, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Albany.
Home prices in Albany are 31.5% lower than in Phoenix. - Income in Albany is 3.1% higher than in Phoenix, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Albany include The Research Foundation for SUNY, Equinox, and St. Peter's Health Partners.
- The cost of living for a single person in Albany is 24.0% lower than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Albany is 19.5% lower than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 7.58% higher than in Phoenix.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the cityโs sales taxes in Albany are 6.98% lower than in Phoenix.
- State income taxes in Albany are 336.00% higher than in Phoenix.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,280.71 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Albany
Albany | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Population | 99,224 | 1,608,139 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 65 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 56 |
Crime Index | 10.0 | 53.06 |
Safety Index | 49.65 | 46.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Albany's population is about 94% less than Phoenix.
- Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Phoenix's lower score of 6.
- Albany is more walkable than Phoenix with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Phoenix's 41 out of 100.
- Both Albany and Phoenix have the same bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, meaning Albany is about as safe for cyclists as Phoenix. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Phoenix with a score of 10.0 compared to Phoenix's 53.06. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06%.
- Albany and Phoenix are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Albany is good, and in Phoenix it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Albany move
- Weather: August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Albany. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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
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
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
Best neighborhoods for families
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Hudson Park
- Union Street
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
Now that you've made the move to New York, itโs the perfect time to explore Albany. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Albany, such as the New York State Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Albany Institute of History & Art, The Irish American Heritage Museum, and American Italian Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Albany Great Danes (America East) and Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Albany?
The best time to move from Phoenix to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Phoenix.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Albany?
Because most people are moving from Phoenix to Albany in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Phoenix to Albany take?
The 2,481-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to Albany, NY, takes seven to 18 days. Some Phoenix movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.