($1,513) Movers From Madison, WI to Albany, NY

What to know before moving from Madison to Albany

Moving from Madison to Albany means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Madison than in Albany, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Albany are 9% lower than in Madison, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Albany.
  Home prices in Albany are 23.5% lower than in Madison.
• Income in Albany is 5.8% higher than in Madison, 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 21.4% lower than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Albany is 22.9% lower than in Madison.
• The unemployment rate in Albany is 115.15% higher than in Madison.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the city’s sales taxes in Albany are 45.45% higher than in Madison.
• State income taxes in Albany are 42.48% higher than in Madison.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,357.33 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How life is different in Madison vs. Albany

• Albany's population is about 63% less than Madison.
• Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Madison's lower score of 6.
• Albany is more walkable than Madison with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
• Albany has a bike-friendliness score 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
• Albany's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 10.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• Albany is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 49.65 vs Madison's 65.43.
• Air quality in Albany is good, and in Madison it's good.

Other things to consider for your Madison 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