Irvine, CA to Albany, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Irvine to Albany typically costs $4,700–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,812 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Irvine to Albany
Moving from Irvine, CA to Albany, NY typically costs $4,700–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,812-mile move from Irvine to Albany, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,249 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $11,159 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,766 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 27, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 12, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Irvine to Albany
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Irvine to Albany may only cost $2,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $14,200.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Irvine.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,700–$5,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Albany, NY to Irvine, CA guide.
Best Irvine to Albany movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Irvine to Albany
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Irvine to Albany. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 CA→NY movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Irvine - roughly 80% less for singles and 77% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it's $4,205 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Rent is about 64% less expensive in Albany than in Irvine, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 82% cheaper in Albany than in Irvine.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 42% less in Albany than in Irvine.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Albany. The cost of living for a single person there is 80% below that of Irvine.
- A move to Albany can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 77% lower compared to Irvine.
- Albany has a higher unemployment rate than Irvine by about 31%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Albany and Irvine (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 18% less in New York compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Irvine versus Albany:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Irvine than in Albany, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Irvine than in Albany.
- Eggs are less expensive in Irvine than in Albany.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Albany.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Albany.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Albany
| Irvine | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 55 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 68% less than Irvine.
- Albany's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Irvine's score of 4.
- Albany is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 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 Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Irvine with a score of 10.0 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Albany is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 49.65 vs Irvine's 68.99.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Irvine it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Albany move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Albany
With your sights set on Smallbany, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing Albany. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Albany is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Irvine to Albany?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Irvine to Albany. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Albany?
Want to save on your move from Irvine to Albany? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Irvine to Albany take?
The 2,812-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Albany, NY, takes seven to 21 days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.
What kinds of discounts do Irvine movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Irvine?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 67 movers in Irvine provide piano moving services. 56 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
