Factors influencing moving costs from Virginia Beach to Albanytoggle

The cost of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Albany can be as low as $1,318 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,846.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Virginia Beach, 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 $488 to $1,190. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Albany

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

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

Virginia Beach Albany
Average rent cost $1,950 $1,450
Average home value $402,391 $281,584
Average income (per capita) $81,810 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $4,533 $1,801
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,910 $4,205
Unemployment rate 4.8% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 5.75% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Albany are 26% lower than in Virginia Beach, 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 30.0% lower than in Virginia Beach.
  • Income in Albany is 18.7% lower than in Virginia Beach, 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 60.3% lower than in Virginia Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Albany is 28.8% lower than in Virginia Beach.
  • The unemployment rate in Albany is 47.92% higher than in Virginia Beach.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Albany are 33.33% higher than in Virginia Beach.
  • State income taxes in Albany are 89.57% higher than in Virginia Beach.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,191.93 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.

How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Albany

Albany Virginia Beach
Population 99,224 457,672
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 3
Walkability score 65 33
Bike friendliness score 55 42
Crime Index 10.0 42.0
Safety Index 49.65 58.0
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albany's population is about 78% less than Virginia Beach.
  • Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Virginia Beach's lower score of 3.
  • Albany is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42 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 Virginia Beach with a score of 10.0 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
  • Albany is considered to be less safe than Virginia Beach with a score of 49.65 vs Virginia Beach's 58.0.
  • Air quality in Albany is good, and in Virginia Beach it's good.

Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach 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

  • Center Square
  • Hudson Park
  • Washington Park
  • Historic Pastures
  • Sheridan Hollow

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Center Square
  • Helderberg
  • Melrose
  • Park South
  • Buckingham Pond/Crestwood

Things to do in Albany

After getting comfortable in your new New York home, itโ€™s time to see what Albany is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Albany include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Virginia Beach to Albany?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Albany?

Because most people are moving from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Albany take?

The 503-mile move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Albany, NY, takes one to six days. Some Virginia Beach 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