Modesto, CA to Albany, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Albany typically costs $4,600–$9,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,917 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Albany
Moving from Modesto, CA to Albany, NY typically costs $4,600–$9,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,917-mile move from Modesto 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,547 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,993 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,026 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 12, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Modesto to Albany
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,900, but larger homes can run up to $14,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Modesto.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,900–$5,000) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Albany, NY to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Albany movers by type
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Local
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Albany
For a stress-free interstate move from Modesto to Albany, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 22% less for singles and 29% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $4,205 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 19% lower in Albany than in Modesto, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 36% lower in Albany than in Modesto.
- The average income in Albany and Modesto is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Albany, where the cost of living for a single person is 22% less than in Modesto.
- Moving to Albany could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 29% less than in Modesto.
- Albany experiences an unemployment rate that is about 11% lower than that of Modesto. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Albany than in Modesto. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Albany can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 18% lower in New York compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Modesto with Albany:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Albany.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Albany.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Albany.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Albany.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Modesto than in Albany.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Albany
| Modesto | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 55 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Albany's population is about 55% less than Modesto.
- Albany's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Albany is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 10.0 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Albany is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 49.65 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Albany move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New York doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Albany smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Albany
Now that you've chosen Smallbany as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Albany to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it's time to see what Albany is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Albany offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Albany?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Modesto to Albany are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Modesto are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Albany?
Because spring and fall moves from Modesto to Albany are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Modesto to Albany take?
A move of 2,917 miles from Modesto, CA to Albany, NY generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Modesto sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Albany is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Modesto offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 10 movers in Modesto have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
