Factors influencing moving costs from Stockton to Albanytoggle

The cost of Stockton 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 Stockton to Albany can be as low as $1,687 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,908.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Stockton, 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 $1,912 to $4,653. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Stockton to Albany

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

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

Stockton Albany
Average rent cost $1,775 $1,450
Average home value $437,561 $281,584
Average income (per capita) $63,915 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $3,767 $1,801
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,810 $4,205
Unemployment rate 10.3% 7.1%
Sales tax 9.0% 8.0%
State income tax 13.3% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Albany are 18% lower than in Stockton, 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 35.6% lower than in Stockton.
  • Income in Albany is 4.1% higher than in Stockton, 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 52.2% lower than in Stockton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Albany is 38.3% lower than in Stockton.
  • The unemployment rate in Albany is 31.07% lower than in Stockton.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Albany are 11.11% lower than in Stockton.
  • One perk of moving to Albany is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in Stockton.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,434.30 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Stockton.

How life is different in Stockton vs. Albany

Albany Stockton
Population 99,224 320,804
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 65 44
Bike friendliness score 55 52
Crime Index 10.0 75.2
Safety Index 49.65 24.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albany's population is about 69% less than Stockton.
  • Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Stockton's lower score of 4.
  • Albany is more walkable than Stockton with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Stockton's 44 out of 100.
  • Both Albany and Stockton have the same bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, meaning Albany is about as safe for cyclists as Stockton. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Albany's crime rate is lower than Stockton with a score of 10.0 compared to Stockton's 75.2. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2%.
  • Albany is considered to be safer than Stockton with a safety index of 49.65 vs Stockton's 24.8.
  • Air quality in Albany is good, and in Stockton it's good.

Other things to consider for your Stockton 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Albany

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Smallbany", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Albany.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Center Square
  • Park South
  • Mansion
  • Melrose
  • North Albany/Shaker Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Helderberg
  • Melrose
  • Park South
  • New Scotland/Woodlawn
  • Northside

Things to do in Albany

Now that you've made the move to New York, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Albany. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Albany, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Stockton to Albany?

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

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

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

The 2,889-mile move from Stockton, CA, to Albany, NY, takes seven to 21 days. Some Stockton 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