The best local movers for Philadelphia to Albany moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Philadelphia that also handles long-distance moves to Albany. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 68 local movers in Philadelphia who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Philadelphia to Albany.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- 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
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Albany?
The average hourly rate for movers in Pennsylvania is $143. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $755 – $2,748 | $546 – $1,352 | $271 – $484 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,365 – $3,924 | $981 – $1,925 | $273 – $551 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,905 – $5,140 | $1,345 – $2,519 | $347 – $692 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Albany
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Albany will cost between $755 and $2,748. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Philadelphia will range from $1,365 to $3,924, and a large move from Philadelphia to Albany will cost from $1,905 to $5,140.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Albany
If you’re moving from Philadelphia to Albany, expect to pay between $546 and $1,352 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $981 up to $1,925. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,345 and $2,519. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Albany
Renting a moving truck from Philadelphia to Albany is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $271 and $484. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $273 and $551. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $347 up to $692 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Albany
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,118, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,721.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($271–$628) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Philadelphia – roughly 29% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $2,541 in Philadelphia. For a family of four, it’s $4,205 compared with $6,190.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Philadelphia | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
- If you’re heading to Albany from Philadelphia, you’ll find that rent is roughly 14% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 30% greater in Albany than in Philadelphia.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Albany compared to Philadelphia.
- 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 29% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Choosing to move to Albany can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Philadelphia.
- Albany enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 33% lower compared to Philadelphia, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Albany and Philadelphia (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 255% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Philadelphia and Albany:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Albany.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Albany
| Philadelphia | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 55 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany’s population is about 94% less than Philadelphia.
- Albany’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Albany is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 out of 100.
- Albany has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Albany’s crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 10.0 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Albany is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 49.65 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Albany move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status 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: 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 to Albany. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
Things to do in Albany
Once you’re settled into your new home in New York, it’s time to get out and discover what Albany has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- 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, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Albany?
The best time to move from Philadelphia to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Albany?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Albany, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Albany take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Albany, covers 231 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Albany.
Which movers in Philadelphia give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Philadelphia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 53 movers in Philadelphia advertise piano moving expertise. 41 movers in Philadelphia provide antique moving services. State totals show 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Philadelphia moving services
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