Moving from Rochester to Albany, NY
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Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Albany costs between $316 to $6,022 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 225-mile route within New York take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Rochester to Albany
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Rochester to Albany are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Rochester to driving and unloading in Albany, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 225 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,602 - $4,564 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,265 - $2,398 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $317 - $667 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sheridan Brothers Moving | $216/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Rochester to Albany?
It costs between $316 to $6,022 to move from Rochester to Albany. The prices below break down your 225-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $898 - $6,022
- Moving containers: $981 - $3,011
- Rental trucks: $316 - $759
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $898 - $3,522 | $981 - $1,698 | $316 - $526 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,602 - $4,564 | $1,265 - $2,398 | $317 - $667 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,108 - $6,022 | $1,597 - $3,011 | $402 - $759 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $267 - $2,225+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $216/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $178 - $712 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $178 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Rochester to Albany
At 225 miles, your Rochester to Albany move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Rochester to Albany. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout New York, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 225 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Sheridan Brothers Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Rochester to Albany. They've been in business since 2004 (22 years of experience) and 70.8% of their 291 verified reviews are positive.
More New York moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albany to Rochester guide.
Considerations when moving from Rochester to Albany
Cost of living: Rochester vs. Albany
The cost of living in Rochester vs. Albany isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Albany compares to what you’re used to in Rochester.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Rochester | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| Average home cost | $120,492 | $222,741 |
| Average income (per capita) | $46,628 | $59,485 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,274 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,921 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent prices in Albany are 16% higher than in Rochester, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Albany are 85% higher than in Rochester, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Albany, where average income is 28% higher than in Rochester — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- The cost of living for a single person in Albany is 21% lower than in Rochester, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 15% lower in Albany than in Rochester. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 28% lower than in Rochester. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Albany and Rochester, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Rochester, you’ll need about $2,370 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Albany.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Albany
Before you move, check out how life in Albany measures up to Rochester. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Rochester | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 99,224 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-38 | Democratic 65-33 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 15ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 77" | 52" |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 10.0 |
Albany sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Albany has roughly 53% fewer people than Rochester. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Rochester and Albany supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Albany and Rochester have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Rochester and Albany—with winter lows around 17°F and 15°F.
- Albany typically gets more rainfall than Rochester, with an annual average of 40 inches compared to just Rochester’s 33 inches.
- Rochester usually gets more snow each year than Albany, with 77 annually compared to Albany’s 52.
- Albany posts a lower crime rate than Rochester, with a crime index of 10.0 compared to Rochester’s 37.54.
Things to do in Albany
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Albany has plenty to offer:
Museums in Albany
- New York State Museum
- USS Slater DE-766
- Albany Institute of History & Art
- The Irish American Heritage Museum
- American Italian Heritage Museum
Parks in Albany
- Washington Park
- Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Sports teams in Albany
- Albany Great Danes (America East)
- Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10)
Universities in Albany
- Maria College of Albany
- Mildred Elley School Albany Campus
- The College of Saint Rose
- Bryant and Stratton College Albany
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Rochester to Albany?
Shipping furniture from Rochester to Albany with a moving company typically costs between $879 and $2,930. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,602 to $4,564. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,108 and $6,022 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Rochester to Albany?
If you’re planning a move from Rochester to Albany and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $703 and $1,685. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,265 to $2,398. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,597 to $3,011.
How much is a moving truck from Rochester to Albany?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $319 and $569. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $317 and $667. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Rochester to Albany, truck rentals usually range from $402 up to $759.
How far in advance should I book Rochester-to-Albany movers?
To make your move from Rochester to Albany as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Albany?
The cheapest time of year to move to Albany is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
