Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Albany
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Albany
Moving from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Philadelphia compares to Albany so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Albany | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,450 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $281,584 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $66,546 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $1,801 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $4,205 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Albany are 15% lower than in Philadelphia, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Albany are 29.8% higher than in Philadelphia. - Income in Albany is 5.9% lower than in Philadelphia, 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 29.1% lower than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Albany is 32.1% lower than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 33.02% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Sales taxes are the same in Albany and Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Albany are 255.05% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,126.33 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Albany
Albany | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 99,224 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
Walkability score | 65 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 67 |
Crime Index | 10.0 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 49.65 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 94% less than Philadelphia.
- Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher 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 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
- 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 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 regulationsโsome 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in New York, though it\โs 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 youโve chosen "Smallbany" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Albany to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Center Square
- Park South
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Downtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Hudson Park
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
Now that you've made the move to New York, itโs the perfect time to explore Albany. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Albany, such as 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 cityโs Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 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?
Because most people are moving from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Albany take?
The 232-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Albany, NY, takes one to two days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.