Moving from Chicago to Albany (Movers from $1,506)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Albany costs $779 to $7,011 and takes 2-7 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 818-mile move yourself.
Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Albany to Chicago guide.
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How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Albany?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,506 - $4,833 | $929 - $2,277 | $679 - $1,374 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,703 - $7,011 | $1,741 - $3,290 | $779 - $1,633 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,038 - $9,173 | $2,314 - $4,566 | $1,005 - $1,864 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Albany
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Albany can be as low as $1,506 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,371.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $679 to $1,709. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Albany?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Albany will cost between $1,506 to $4,833. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,703 to $7,011, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Albany will cost from $5,038 to $9,173.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Albany?
Moving containers from Chicago to Albany will cost you $929 to $2,277 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,741 to $3,290. A larger home will cost $2,314 to $4,566.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Albany?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $679 to $1,374. A larger move will cost $779 to $1,633, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Albany costs from $1,005 to $1,864. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
The best Chicago to Albany moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Albany is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Albany.
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- Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Albany
Cost of living: Chicago vs Albany
| Chicago | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,450 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $66,546 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,801 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $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 9% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Albany are 8.0% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Albany is 1.4% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Albany is 79.9% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Albany is 17.3% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
- 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 into perspective, you would need around $5,397.60 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to 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 lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 55 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- 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.
Considerations for moving to Albany
- 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.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 (312) 561-3707 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in Albany
These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.
- New York State Capitol
- Hudson River School Landscape Paintings
- New York State's History and Environment
- Washington Park
- Hudson River
- Historic Homes of Prominent 18th-Century Citizens
- Underground Railroad
- New York State Education Building
- The Egg
- Corning Tower
Get your sports on!
Albany is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Albany Great Danes (America East)
- Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Albany?
The best time to move from Chicago to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Albany?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Albany take?
The 818-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Albany, NY, takes 2-7 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.
