Cost of Living in Albany, New York, United States

Are you considering a move to Albany, New York, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Albany, New York is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Albany, New York and help you understand whether $3285 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4691.15.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Albany, New York, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

18.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

77.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

10.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

5.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

6.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.33 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.52 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.33 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.07 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

4.19 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

5.3 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

5.12 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

15.26 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

10.78 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

14.0 $

Apples (1 lb)

4.76 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.47 $

Oranges (1 lb)

5.19 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.36 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.06 $

Onion (1 lb)

3.88 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.03 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.88 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

11.5 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.99 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.31 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

11.61 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.75 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

65.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

5.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.24 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

27.5 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.0 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

28068.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

28690.0 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

183.68 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

64.68 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

69.5 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

32.0 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

15.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1333.33 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

21500.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

45.69 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

42.27 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

79.22 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

75.98 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1366.67 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1391.25 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2733.33 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2466.67 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

5114.59 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3576.39 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

4691.15 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.67 %

Cost of Living in Albany, New York, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Albany, New York?

The monthly expenses for living in Albany, New York come to a total of approximately $3285. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1366 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $216 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $999 per month.

How affordable is living in Albany, New York?

Living in Albany, New York appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4691.15. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Albany, New York, you would likely need an income exceeding $4691.15.

What is the average salary in Albany, New York?

In Albany, New York, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4691.15, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Albany, New York?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Albany, New York is approximately $1366. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1391.25 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Albany, New York?

The expense for groceries in Albany, New York can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $777 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

Albany, New York, United States

How Safe Is Albany, New York, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Albany, New York, United States

OVERALL RISK: LOW

While this is the sixth-largest city in New York, there's a low risk, but you'll need those basic personal safety tactics when you visit. There's a lot to do in the city, and surrounding Albany County offers many other options.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The Capital District Transportation Authority, or CDTA, is the public bus system. There's an app you can download to pay for fares and check your routes. It's easy to call a taxi or rideshare, and plenty of rental car options are available. There's a low risk but think twice about a rental car if you don't like driving in winter snow. An all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle will be ideal. Amtrak can also take you to New York City, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Chicago, or Boston, just to name a few cities.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Two pickpockets were reported among the more than 2300 thefts in 2021, which is a low number comparatively. Part of that is due to personal safety steps, so always limit what you bring with you and how visual you let your wallet or purse be when walking around.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The biggest risk is in the winter when extreme cold and snow storms are common. Winter storms here are usually fueled by Nor'easters, which can dump snow in feet, not inches. There are thunderstorms and flooding possible in the warmer months, and the flood risk also goes up with the Hudson River nearby.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is nearly two and a half times lower than the national average, so that's a low risk. If you stay in the tourist corridor and the historic areas or the capital part of town, you'll be safer. You should never let your guard down in any city.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There will be a medium risk here since a physical, chemical, or cyber attack could impact hundreds of years of history and the confidential information held in the state government. There's also a large Homeland Security focus on keeping Albany safe. You can always call the New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline at 1-866-723-3697 (1-866- SAFE-NYS) if you have concerns.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Albany has a lot of scams reported, with a rising number of rental scams. The scams really focus on people living locally but know the hallmarks of a scam operation. First, they are "too good to be true." Second, there's a sense of urgency to "act now" under threat or duress. Third, you are asked to wire money or purchase gift cards as payment for something.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Albany is a city with safe pockets of town, and within a five-minute walk, the neighborhood might be more dangerous. You should always use standard safety practices, like don't walk around at night alone, staying in well-lit areas, parking near security cameras, and don't be distracted during your travels. The sexual assault rate is lower than the national average, and there's no reason to worry about being in constant danger.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Water Quality Report shows no violations, and all standards were met or exceeded. Even among categories that were within the acceptable range, the city is taking steps to make those levels even lower. A consumer awareness program is also underway to help people with old pipes replace them, as the pipes contribute to higher levels of lead in the water.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work visa to visit, and you'll need that visa at the airport or at the border if you are coming from Canada. Once you get to the U.S., store your visa somewhere safe. If you lose it, you'll have to coordinate with your embassy back home.

currency_exchange

Currency

The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the currency used here, and there are plenty of places to exchange it in Albany. Using a credit card for purchases provides more fraud protection, and there's little need to carry cash as everything from parking to public transit can be paid for online or through an app.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The winters here are rough, especially if you aren't used to a full winter. Bring warm, insulated layers of clothing, and be sure to cover your head, fingers, and toes. Snow boots are helpful throughout the winter. Summer can be warm, but it's generally not extremely hot. However, that also comes with the perspective of where you are from because some people here feel 80°(F) is hot. Bring good walking shoes for the warmer months because it's a very walkable area.

flight_takeoff

Airports

The Albany airport is 20 minutes northwest of downtown and is a good airport to get you to any destination. If you want a larger airport in the New York City area, you can expect a three-hour drive or five-hour train ride.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is going to help with lost baggage, weather delays/cancellations, and any injuries along the way while visiting Albany. It's a smart idea to protect this important trip with insurance.

Albany, New York, United States

What about weather in Albany, New York, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 32°F 36°F 45°F 59°F 70°F 78°F 82°F 80°F 72°F 60°F 48°F 37°F
Temp 24°F 27°F 36°F 48°F 60°F 68°F 73°F 71°F 63°F 51°F 41°F 31°F
Low 18°F 20°F 29°F 40°F 50°F 58°F 63°F 61°F 54°F 43°F 34°F 24°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 0°C 2°C 7°C 15°C 21°C 25°C 27°C 26°C 22°C 15°C 8°C 2°C
Temp -4°C -2°C 2°C 8°C 15°C 20°C 22°C 21°C 17°C 10°C 5°C 0°C
Low -7°C -6°C -1°C 4°C 10°C 14°C 17°C 16°C 12°C 6°C 1°C -4°C

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