Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Albany move
What to know before moving from Chicago to Albany
Moving from Chicago to Albany means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Albany so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Albany | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,450 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $281,584 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,546 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $1,801 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $4,205 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Albany are 29% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Albany.
Home prices in Albany are 4.8% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Albany is 7.0% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Albany — including The Research Foundation for SUNY, Equinox, and St. Peter's Health Partners — may pay more.
- 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 50.6% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Albany can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 54.6% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the city's sales taxes in Albany are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Albany are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,481.09 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Albany
Albany | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 99,224 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
Walkability score | 65 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 72 |
Crime Index | 10.0 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 49.65 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 96% less than Chicago.
- Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Albany is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Albany has a bike-friendliness score 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 10.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Albany is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.65 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Albany is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a New York moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Albany. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
- North Albany/Shaker Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Helderberg
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Union Street
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: 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, The Irish American Heritage Museum, and American Italian Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — 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 Chicago to Albany?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Albany You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Albany?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago 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 Chicago to Albany take?
The 817-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Albany, NY, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Chicago offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Albany.