Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to Albanytoggle

The cost of Durham 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 Durham to Albany can be as low as $1,288 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,945.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, 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 $585 to $1,344. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Albany

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

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

Durham Albany
Average rent cost $1,699 $1,450
Average home value $391,719 $281,584
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $2,803 $1,801
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,945 $4,205
Unemployment rate 4.1% 7.1%
Sales tax 7.5% 8.0%
State income tax 4.5% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Albany are 15% lower than in Durham, 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 Albany.
    Home prices in Albany are 28.1% lower than in Durham.
  • Income in Albany is 83.2% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less 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 35.7% lower than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Albany is 29.3% lower than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Albany is 73.17% higher than in Durham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Albany are 6.67% higher than in Durham.
  • State income taxes in Albany are 142.22% higher than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,927.58 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Albany

Albany Durham
Population 99,224 283,506
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 65 30
Bike friendliness score 55 38
Crime Index 10.0 54.72
Safety Index 49.65 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albany's population is about 65% less than Durham.
  • Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Durham's lower score of 4.
  • Albany is more walkable than Durham with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Albany's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 10.0 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
  • Albany is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 49.65 vs Durham's 45.28.
  • Air quality in Albany is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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: You can verify a New York moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in New York, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toAlbany Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Smallbany" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Albany to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Hudson Park
  • Washington Park
  • Mansion
  • Historic Pastures
  • Melrose

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Center Square
  • Helderberg
  • Hudson Park
  • New Scotland/Woodlawn
  • Northside

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 Durham to Albany?

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

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

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

The 622-mile move from Durham, NC, to Albany, NY, takes one to six days. Some Durham 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