Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Albanytoggle

The cost of Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Albany can be as low as $1,064 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 5,897.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, 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 $390 to $910. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Albany

Moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Baltimore compares to Albany so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Baltimore Albany
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,450
Average home value $180,790 $281,584
Average income (per capita) $58,349 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $2,223 $1,801
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,088 $4,205
Unemployment rate 7.9% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 5.75% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Albany are 9% lower than in Baltimore, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
    Home prices in Albany are 55.8% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Albany is 14.0% higher than in Baltimore, 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 19.0% lower than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Albany is 17.4% lower than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Albany is 10.13% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Albany are 33.33% higher than in Baltimore.
  • State income taxes in Albany are 89.57% higher than in Baltimore.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,430.50 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Albany

Albany Baltimore
Population 99,224 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 65 64
Bike friendliness score 55 53
Crime Index 10.0 72.72
Safety Index 49.65 27.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albany's population is about 83% less than Baltimore.
  • Albany's public transportation has a similar score to Baltimore.
  • Albany and Baltimore are similarily walkable.
  • Both Albany and Baltimore have the same bike-friendliness score of 53 out of 100, meaning Albany is about as safe for cyclists as Baltimore. 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 Baltimore with a score of 10.0 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
  • Albany is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 49.65 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
  • Air quality in Albany is good, and in Baltimore it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baltimore 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™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

Ready to relocate to "Smallbany"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Albany.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Hudson Park
  • Park South
  • Downtown
  • Historic Pastures
  • Sheridan Hollow

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Helderberg
  • Melrose
  • Hudson Park
  • Northside
  • Buckingham Pond/Crestwood

Things to do in Albany

After settling into your new New York home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Albany has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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, The Irish American Heritage Museum, and American Italian Heritage Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Baltimore to Albany?

The best time to move from Baltimore to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.

When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Albany?

Because most people are moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Albany take?

The 326-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Albany, NY, takes one to four days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.

Helpful moving resources