($1,551) Movers From McAllen, TX to Albany, NY

What to know before moving from McAllen to Albany

Moving from McAllen to Albany comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Albany is generally more expensive than McAllen, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Albany are 7% higher than in McAllen, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in McAllen.
  Home prices in Albany are 27.3% higher than in McAllen.
• Income in Albany is 15.9% higher than in McAllen, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Albany, since the cost of living for a single person in Albany is 23.6% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Albany, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Albany is 18.2% higher than in McAllen.
• The unemployment rate in Albany is 10.13% lower than in McAllen.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the city’s sales taxes in Albany are 3.03% lower than in McAllen.
• State income taxes in Albany are 10.90% higher than in McAllen.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,708.30 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McAllen.

How life is different in McAllen vs. Albany

• Albany's population is about 30% less than McAllen.
• Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus McAllen's lower score of 3.
• Albany is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 65 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
• With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 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 McAllen with a score of 10.0 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
• Albany is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 49.65 vs McAllen's 63.74.
• Air quality in Albany is good, and in McAllen it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your McAllen 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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 company’s license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While New York doesn’t 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.

Helpful moving resources