Factors influencing moving costs from Chesapeake to Albanytoggle

The cost of Chesapeake movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chesapeake to Albany can be as low as $1,344 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,167.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chesapeake, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $513 to $1,238. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Albany

Moving from Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chesapeake compares to Albany so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chesapeake Albany
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,450
Average home value $375,209 $281,584
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $1,882 $1,801
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,656 $4,205
Unemployment rate 5.0% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 5.75% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Albany are 19% lower than in Chesapeake, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Albany.
    Home prices in Albany are 25.0% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Income in Albany is 4.8% higher than in Chesapeake, 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 4.3% lower than in Chesapeake. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 15.0% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • The unemployment rate in Albany is 42.00% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Albany are 33.33% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • State income taxes in Albany are 89.57% higher than in Chesapeake.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,870.88 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Albany

Albany Chesapeake
Population 99,224 249,422
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 2
Walkability score 65 21
Bike friendliness score 55 35
Crime Index 10.0 25.0
Safety Index 49.65 70.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albany's population is about 60% less than Chesapeake.
  • Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower score of 2.
  • Albany is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, 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 lower than Chesapeake with a score of 10.0 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
  • Albany is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 49.65 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
  • Air quality in Albany is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 companyโ€™s license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While New York doesnโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Park South
  • Washington Park
  • Downtown
  • Historic Pastures
  • North Albany/Shaker Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Helderberg
  • Park South
  • New Scotland/Woodlawn
  • Northside
  • Union Street

Things to do in Albany

After settling into your new New York home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Albany has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Chesapeake to Albany?

The best time to move from Chesapeake to Albany is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chesapeake.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Albany?

Because most people are moving from Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake to Albany take?

The 505-mile move from Chesapeake, VA, to Albany, NY, takes one to six days. Some Chesapeake movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.

Helpful moving resources