Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Albanytoggle

The cost of Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Albany can be as low as $1,440 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,033.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, 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 $576 to $1,407. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Albany

Grand Rapids Albany
Average rent cost $1,659 $1,450
Average home value $328,256 $281,584
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $66,546
Cost of living (single person) $3,433 $1,801
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,960 $4,205
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.25% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in Albany are 13% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Home prices in Albany are 14.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Albany is 5.1% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Albany is 47.5% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a family in Albany is 6.2% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Albany is 65.12% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Sales taxes in Albany are 33.33% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Albany are 156.47% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,573.84 in Albany to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Albany

Albany Grand Rapids
Population 99,224 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 65 56
Bike friendliness score 55 52
Crime Index 10.0 44.23
Safety Index 49.65 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albany's population is about 50% less than Grand Rapids.
  • Albany's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
  • Albany is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 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 Grand Rapids with a score of 10.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Albany is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 49.65 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Albany is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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 singlestoggle

  • Center Square
  • Hudson Park
  • Park South
  • Washington Park
  • Mansion
  • Downtown
  • Historic Pastures
  • Sheridan Hollow
  • Melrose
  • North Albany/Shaker Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Center Square
  • Helderberg
  • Melrose
  • Park South
  • Hudson Park
  • New Scotland/Woodlawn
  • Northside
  • Union Street
  • Buckingham Pond/Crestwood

Things to do in Albanytoggle

After settling into your new New York home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Albany has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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, The Irish American Heritage Museum, and American Italian Heritage Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Grand Rapids to Albany?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Albany?

Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Albany take?

The 670-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Albany, NY, takes one to six days. Some Grand Rapids 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