Seattle, WA to Albany, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Albany typically costs $5,200–$10,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,857 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Seattle to Albany
Moving from Seattle, WA to Albany, NY typically costs $5,200–$10,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,857-mile move from Seattle to Albany, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,974 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,696 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,413 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Mar 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Mar 02, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Seattle to Albany
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Seattle to Albany may only cost $3,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $16,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Seattle.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,800–$5,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Albany, NY to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to Albany movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Seattle to Albany
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Seattle to Albany. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→NY movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 94 Washington moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Seattle - roughly 52% less for singles and 57% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it's $4,205 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 10.9% |
- Rent is about 27% less expensive in Albany than in Seattle, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 67% cheaper in Albany than in Seattle.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 15% less in Albany than in Seattle.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Albany. The cost of living for a single person there is 52% below that of Seattle.
- A move to Albany can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 57% lower compared to Seattle.
- Albany has a higher unemployment rate than Seattle by about 48%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 23% cheaper in Albany compared to Seattle. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- New York has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Seattle versus Albany:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Albany.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in Albany.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Albany.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Albany.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Seattle than in Albany.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Albany.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Albany
| Seattle | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 55 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany's population is about 87% less than Seattle.
- Albany's public transportation score is within about 5% of Seattle, making them very similar.
- Albany is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
- Albany has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- Albany's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 10.0 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Albany and Seattle have a similar safety level, with scores of 49.65 and 49.23.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Albany move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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: To confirm a moving company's license in New York, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Albany. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
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
- Park South
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Downtown
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
- North Albany/Shaker Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Park South
- Hudson Park
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Union Street
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing Albany. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- 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, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Albany?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Seattle to Albany. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Albany?
Want to save on your move from Seattle to Albany? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Seattle to Albany take?
The 2,857-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Albany, NY, takes seven to 21 days. Some Seattle movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albany.
What kinds of discounts do Seattle movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Seattle?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 47 movers in Seattle provide piano moving services. 35 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
