Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Albany
What to know before moving from Columbia to Albany
Moving from Columbia 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 Columbia than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbia compares to Albany so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,450 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices are the same in Albany and Columbia.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Albany are 27.6% higher than in Columbia. - Income in Albany is 2.9% higher than in Columbia, 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 7.9% lower than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Albany is 1.6% lower than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 36.54% higher than in Columbia.
- Sales taxes are the same in Albany and Columbia.
- State income taxes in Albany are 55.71% higher than in Columbia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,762.27 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Albany
| Albany | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 99,224 | 136,632 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 65 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 10.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety Index | 49.65 | 48.39 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 27% less than Columbia.
- Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
- Albany is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Albany's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 10.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Albany and Columbia are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Albany is good, and in Columbia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While New York doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Albany without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Albany
With your sights set on "Smallbany", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Albany.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Hudson Park
- Washington Park
- Downtown
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
Best neighborhoods for families
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Park South
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
Things to do in Albany
After settling into your new New York home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Albany has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Columbia to Albany?
The best time to move from Columbia to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Albany?
Because most people are moving from Columbia 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 Columbia to Albany take?
The 843-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Albany, NY, takes two to seven days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.
