($1,304) Movers From Chicago, IL to Albany, NY

What to know before moving from Chicago to Albany

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

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

• Rent prices in Albany are 29% lower than in Chicago, 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 4.8% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Albany is 7.0% lower than in Chicago, 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 50.6% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Albany is 54.6% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Albany is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Albany, since the city’s sales taxes in Albany are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Albany are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,481.09 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Albany

• Albany's population is about 96% less than Chicago.
• Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Albany is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Albany's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 10.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Albany is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.65 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Albany is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago 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.

Helpful moving resources