Moving to New York State

2019 Moving to New York State Relocation Guide

Welcome to 2019 Ultimate Moving to New York State Relocation Guide! Before this big step, find out all important information about New York State.

  • Basic information about the New York State population, average yearly temperature and spoken languages.
  • Read about important cultural venues, the best places to live in and learn some fun facts about the state.
  • Check out the list of Pros and Cons of living in New York State before deciding to actually move.
  • Most importantly, find out all about New York State moving and living costs!

    Take a look at the list of housing, transportation and childcare costs, and learn about the living cost index in New York State.

  • Read all about moving costs.
  • All information regarding costs and pricing is compared with average US pricing.

  • You will also find very detailed information about the average yearly salary in New York State.
  • We prepared lists of moving to New York State tips.

For moving tips in general check out our Moving Checklist and Paperwork page.


New York State

Welcome to the state of the big apple, the state of breathtaking nature and diversity. Welcome to the state of the future, the state of growth, the Empire State, welcome to New York. NYC is not everything, New York state is a state of long and rich history, it is filled with museums and historical sites, and some of the worlds most beautiful natural wonders are within New York State borders.


New York State is the state of dreams that come true. You can thrive in any profession. You can be unique and you can meet new cultures. The State of New York will get you inspired, Choose your city wisely, they are diverse, and you can experience everything between the small village and high tech city.


New York State is the state of all four seasons and walking around the state during the fall is one of the most amazing things that you will ever experience. Empire State is a trendsetter for the rest of the world and you will learn how to enjoy every aspect of it.

Moving to New York State Pros & Cons


If you are a fan of sports, pizza, wine, hiking or simply having endless opportunities, you should consider moving to the State of New York. Because of the breathtaking nature, job opportunities, and the booming economy, New York State sounds like the perfect state to call home. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider before making a move, and you should get to know the biggest disadvantages of moving to New York State. Go ahead and read all about the pros and cons of moving to New York State, get prepared for this step, the perks of living in New York State are endless:


Moving to New York State Pros


1. Job Opportunities

New York job market is constantly growing, you will be able to get your career to the next level in any job field. From education, technology, education and healthcare to art and fashion industries.

2. Crime Rates

There are several cities in the state of New York with a higher crime rate bu New York State has a lower overall crime rate than most other states according to FBI reporting. Some of the safest cities to live in the USA are located in the State of New York.

3. Things To Do

New York State is great for experiencing new things on a daily basis. You will never get bored in NYS. There are plenty of things to explore and entertainment, art, dance, performance, and music opportunities to experience ae endless. New York State is one of the world's most important trendsetters, everything starts here.

4. Education

New York is home to some of the world's best colleges and universities. Primary and secondary schools are also top-rated, and you can find exceptional education in almost any city. Some of Upstate New York's school districts rank among the best educational systems in the USA.

5. Nature

New York State nature is breathtaking. If you decide to live in the upstate area, you will experience a slower lifestyle and you will be surrounded by many natural wonders. New York state is home to numerous state parks, including the biggest one and the oldest ones in the USA.

6. Diversity

There are so many different nationalities in New York State. That level of diversity creates a welcoming feeling for anyone. New York is the perfect state for meeting new cultures, exploring different food, art, and music.

7. Weather

New York State will provide with all 4 seasons. You don't have to miss out on anything. Distinct seasons will offer you numerous different activities, and you will be able to enjoy both surfing and skiing.

8. Transportation

New York has one of the most extensive and one of the oldest transportation infrastructures in the country. The New York subway system is one of the largest rapid systems in the world.

9. Sports

If you are a sports fan moving to New York State is the perfect step for you. New York is home to some of the most popular football league teams, baseball, basketball, and soccer too.

10. Food

Diversity also means great food. You can find authentic food from all over the world. You can find all sorts of multicultural restaurants and bars. In some of the cities, food is available at any time, anywhere.

Moving to New York State Cons


1. Living Costs

New York State has a higher cost of living than most other states, mostly because of New York City. There are still some cities in New York State with USA average costs of living, but in most parts of the state, basic everyday costs are high.

2. Higher Tax Rates

The overall tax burden is much higher in New York state than in any other US state. Salaries are higher too, but you will still need to organize your budget.

3. Healthcare

The quality of healthcare in New York State is lower than in most other states. There are some top-rated hospitals across the state but the overall quality is not as good as it should be.

4. Housing Costs

You will need to have a big salary in order to be able to afford a house in most parts of New York State. Renting is much more popular but it is not cheap either.

5. Traffic

New York State is filled with working people who are constantly in the rush and under stress. Apart from that New York is home to several world's most famous tourist destinations. You will need to prepare for the long commute and being stuck in the traffic on a daily basis.

New York State Pros and Cons
New York State Fun Facts

Moving to New York State Tips


Moving to New York State is a big, challenging step and the state offers so many different opportunities. Whether you are moving for work or for pleasure you will find our tips useful. Here are 10 TIPS about moving to New York State, 10 facts that will help you prepare for this step.

  • You Can Still Find Affordable Homes - Home prices in New York state are not as high as in New York City. There are a lot of other cities that will provide you with a high quality of life at a much lower price.
  • Hike Whenever You Can - The State of New York is a paradise for hikers. There are numerous world-famous hiking trails throughout all of the state parks and national preserves.
  • Upstate Debate - No one knows where the upstate begins but some people refer to it as the “land that time forgot.” NYC is getting all of the attention, but upstate New York has its own perks. It is calm and willed with farmland and state parks.
  • Higher Taxes - Overall tax burden is higher than in other US states. It is known that income taxes are steep but you need to know that property taxes are high too.
  • Government is Divided - New York City is politically divided from the rest of the state. New York City is leaning left and it is filled with liberals while the rest of the state is mostly conservative.
  • Explore the Food Scene - Food is great throughout the whole country, NYC is famous among food lovers, but you should explore more. Amazing produce grows in New York and upstate if filled with local farms and fields.
  • There is a Myth That Subways Don't Work on the Weekends - That is not completely true, but often enough, subway lines are renovated on weekends and you will have to travel differently.
  • A Taxi is Almost Never a Faster Option Than the Subway - Especially during the rush hour.
  • Bring an Umbrella - Rain in New York is more often than you would expect.
  • Fall - There is a special charm for every season, but almost everyone will tell you that New York shines during fall.

Check out our printable Stage-by-Stage MOVING CHECKLIST.

This ultimate moving checklist will help you complete your moving without stress.


Moving Checklist

Best Places to Live in New York State

You know you want to live in The Empire State but you don't know which city to choose? Take a look at the list of top 6 best places to live in New York State according to usnews. Every city in New York State has its pros and cons and you should choose wisely, there are a lot of factors that you should consider.

Albany

Albany

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syracuse

Syracuse

Rochester

Rochester

New York City

New York City

Yonkers

Yonkers


New York State Moving Costs


There are certain costs associated with moving that most people tend to neglect. Even if you have opted for a self-moving job that does not involve hiring a professional moving company, you will have to pay extra for certain things. Here is a list of moving and packing costs you may have forgotten.


  • Packing Supplies

    If you plan to move on a budget and want to fo the packing yourself, you must know that you will need to invest in packing supplies like boxes, tape or bubble wrap.

  • Moving Insurance

    During the move something almost always brake. Getting moving insurance is always recommended. Most of the moving companies offer insurance and you can decide how much to get, considering how valuable your things are.

  • Moving Start-up Costs

    For renting new space start-up costs include things like your first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, a pet deposit or an application fee.

    If you are buying start-up costs are much bigger. They include closing costs for your new mortgage which is often measured in thousands of dollars. Average closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the cost of your home. These costs include things like a fee for running your credit report, a loan origination fee, attorney’s fees, the cost of a home inspection, a title search, an appraisal fee, and a survey fee, etc.

  • Boarding Your Pets

    You can expect extra costs for boarding your pets. Often enough, people tend to move their pets overnight, that way pets are not exposed to the stress.

  • Stair Fees

    Some of the moving companies will ask you to pay a stair fee.

  • Moving Large Items Fees

    It is always best to check with moving companies about extra fees and inform them about your large items, like piano or pool table, in advance. That way you will avoid surprises on a moving day.

  • Valuable Artworks or Decorative Pieces Are Often Handled by Specialised Movers

    There are professionals who are trained to handle valuable items. Packing and moving valuable items is more complex than regular moving. So you can expect to pay extra on moving those kinds of pieces.

  • Storage Space Renting

    Sometimes, you don't want to bring all of your things to your new home, but you don't want to throw them either. If you find yourself in this situation you will have to find storage space for those things. Having to store items could mean an additional monthly expense.

  • Re-buying Items Once You've Moved In

    While you shouldn't get rid of everything before a move, there are going to be some items that you're not going to want to bring to your new space.

  • Tips For Your Movers

    Your movers are doing a lot of hard work and heavy lifting, and they deserve to be compensated. Just note, that tips are always expected by your movers.


Moving to New York State


Here you can find a list of shipping costs. Please note that the cost of international shipping (calculated with reallymoving) is solely the cost of shipping itself. Costs are calculated for moving entire two bedroom home, in the next three monts.


Moving From Cost
Vancouver (Canada) $4,400 - $6,000
Sydney (Australia) $5,100 - $7,100
Auckland (New Zealand) $5,100 - $7,100
Beijing (China) $5,400 - $7,300
Tokyo (Japan) $5,100 - $6,900
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) $4,100 - $6,800
Mexico City (Mexico) $3,600 - $6,000
London (United Kingdom) $4,200 - $5,800
Dublin (Ireland) $4,100 - $5,700
Singapore $5,100 - $6,900

Cultural Venues in New York State

New York State is one of the world's most important trendsetters. When it comes to arts the State of New York is famous for performing arts, music, and all sorts of visual arts. New York State is filled with world-famous cultural institutions and art venues. Take a look at our list of top 6 cultural venues in New York State.

The Guggenheim Museums

The Guggenheim Museums

Art Museum

  • City: New York
  • Adress: 1071 5th Ave, 10128
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $25
Albany Museum

Albany Museum

Albany Institute of History and Art

  • City: Albany
  • Adress: 125 Washington Ave, 12210
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $10
Albright-Knox

Albright-Knox

Art Museum

  • City: Buffalo
  • Adress: 612 Northland Ave, 14211
  • Admission Fee: Free
Center for the Arts

Center for the Arts

Art Center

  • City: Homer
  • Adress: 72 S Main St, 13077
  • Admission Fee: Free
Big Orbit Gallery

Big Orbit Gallery

Art Gallery

  • City: Buffalo
  • Adress: 30 Essex St, 14213
  • Admission Fee: Free
Corning Museum of Glass

Corning Museum of Glass

Glass Art Museum

  • City: Corning
  • Adress: 1 Museum Way, 14830
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $28

New York State Living Costs


New York State is one of the most expensive states to live in the USA. Manhattan prices tend to raise the overall state rankings but other parts of the country are pricey too. Taxes are higher than the national average and housing costs are high, mostly because of New York City. You can still find an affordable city in New York State, but it is one of the most expensive states to live in the USA. For more information about living costs visit numbeo or BestPlaces.


How much are utilities in Albany


  • 85m2 Apartment Monthly Utilities, Basic (Electricity, Water, Cooling, Heating, Garbage):

    $169.51

  • 1 Min. Of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans):

    $0.17

  • Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/adsl):

    $70.93

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

    4.37

New York State VS US Average

Average Living Costs in New York State

Cost of Living New York State United States
Housing 150.8 100
Transportation 161.5 100
Utilities 115.9 100
Grocery 101.7 100
Health 100.8 100
Other 101.6 100
Housing Buy per Sq Ft Monthly Rent
New York City $1,333.44 $3,071.04
Buffalo $147.80 $981.90
Rochester $106.22 $946.1
Yonkers $352.29 $1,710.00
Syracuse $84.15 $1,087.50
Albany $141.17 $1,072.92
US Average $242.48 $1,294.88
Transportation One Way Ticket Monthly Pass
New York City $2.75 $127.00
Buffalo $2.00 $75.00
Rochester $1.00 $56.00
Yonkers $2.75 $136.00
Syracuse $2.00 $40.00
Albany $1.50 $55.00
US Average $2.25 $70.00
Child Care Preschool Primary School
New York City $2,354.29 $38,600.00
Buffalo $746.67 $16,666.67
Rochester $800.00 $15,000.00
Yonkers $1,200.00 $25,000.00
Syracuse $800.00 $12,666.67
Albany $662.40 $3,500.00
US Average $896.05 $16,125.51

Work and Salary


Average Yearly Salary in New York State is $69,000

Currently, most popular and best-paid jobs in New York State are:

  • Software Engineer - $93,000/yr
  • Project Manager - $76,000/yr
  • Executive Assistant - $61,000/yr
  • Administrative Assistant - $43,000/yr
  • Operations Manager - $67,000/yr
  • Office Manager - $50,000/yr
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - $71,000/yr

All the information is provided by Glassdoor and Payscale where you can get more detailed information about the job of interest. If you don't have a specific job in mind, you can also check this list of 10 common jobs and professions in the United States with an average salary for each of them.

Job New York State US Average
Cashier $13.41/h $10.57/h
Receptionist $15.23/h $13.34/h
Repair Technician $15.59/h $16.24/h
Actor $16.21/h $11.06/h
Registered Nurse $32.75/h $33.87/h
Secretary $14.06/h $13.96/h
Preschool Teacher $14.13/h $12.52/h
High School Teacher $21.54/h $19.20/h
Lawyer $91,513/h $65.62/h

Top 6 Universities in New York State

The University of the State of New York accredits and sets standards for primary, middle-level, and secondary education in the state, while the New York State Education Department oversees public schools. NYS is home to several world-recognized universities including Columbia University, Cornell University, and New York University. Take a look at the list of top 6 universities in Califorina, according to UniRank.

Stanford University

Cornell University

Acronuym: -

  • City: Ithaca
  • Address: 300 Day Hall, 14853
  • Founded: 1865
University of New York State, Berkeley

Columbia University, New York

Acronuym: -

  • City: New York City
  • Address: West 116 Street and Broadway, 10027
  • Founded: 1754
University of New York State, Los Angeles

New York University

Acronuym: NYU

  • City: New York City
  • Address: 70 Washington Square South, 10012
  • Founded: 1831
University of New York State, Irvine

University of Rochester

Acronuym: UR

  • City: Rochester
  • Address: 300 Wilson Boulevard, 14627
  • Founded: 1850
University of New York State, San Diego

University at Buffalo

Acronuym: UB

  • City: Buffalo
  • Address: 12 Capen Hall, 14260
  • Founded: 1846
University of Southern New York State

Rochester Institute of Technology

Acronuym: RIT

  • City: Rochester
  • Address: 1 Lomb Memorial Drive, 14623
  • Founded: 1829

New York State - Important Information


New York State

New York State Seal

New York State was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With an estimated 19.54 million residents it is the fourth most populous US state. The state's most populous city, New York City, makes up over 40% of the state's population, while the state capital is Albany. If New York State were an independent nation, it would rank as the 11th largest economy in the world.

  • State Capital:

    Albany

  • Largest City (By Population):

    New York City

  • Official State Website:

    ny.gov

  • Official Language:

    English

  • Spoken Languages:

    Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Italian, French Creole, French and other.

  • Dimensions:

    Length - 330 mi (530 km)

    Width - 285 mi (455 km)

New York State Population:


  • According to the last census (2010): 19,378,102
  • According to the latest estimate (2018): 19,542,209
New York State Demographics by Race
White 12,638,791 63.84%
Asian 1,652,846 8.35%
Other Race 1,730,813 8.74%
Black or African American 3,100,685 15.66%
Two or More Races 590,026 2.98%
Native American 77,130 0.39%
Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander 7,937 0.04%

New York State - Average Yearly Temperature

Temperature Annual High Annual Low Average
New York City 16.8°C 8.9°C 12.85°C
Buffalo 13.5°C 4.6°C 9.05°C
Rochester 13.9°C 4°C 8.95°C
Yonkers 16.8°C 8.9°C 12.85°C
Syracuse 14.3°C 4.5°C 9.4°C
Albany 14.3°C 3.7°C 9°C

New York State - Crime rates

Very low: 0 - 20, Low: 20 - 40, Moderate: 40 - 60, High: 60 - 80, Very high: 80 - 100. By numbeo.

City Crime Index Safety Index Level of crime
New York City 44.35 55.65 47.36
Buffalo 43.67 56.33 49.32
Rochester 61.47 38.53 70.51
Yonkers 34.26 65.74 45.83
Syracuse 61.23 38.77 76.67
Albany 51.39 48.61 61.54

Famous National Parks in New York State

Nature in New York State is hugely diverse, take a 5-hour ride and you can see the woods, mountains, deserts, ocean, waterfalls and more. There is a long list of national parks and outdoor attractions that you can enjoy. Great expanses of wilderness areas are providing habitats for thousands of species of flora and fauna. Take a look at our list of top 6 national parks to visit in New York State.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park features 10 waterfalls in total, with Buttermilk Falls being the main attraction. The park also features hiking trails, beaches, campgrounds and other types of recreational opportunities.

  • Nearest city: Ithaca
  • Nearest major city: Syracuse
  • Visitors per year: 197,981 (in 2014)
Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls State Park

The world-famous Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, and it is one of the top 10 most beautiful places to visit. The park also features a museum, gift shop, hiking trails, and other recreational options.

  • Nearest city: Niagara Falls
  • Nearest major city: Buffalo
  • Visitors per year: 9,529,325 (in 2016)
Adirondack Park

Adirondack Park

The Adirondack Park is a part of New York's Forest Preserve. This preservation area contains 102 towns and villages and the inclusion of human communities makes the park one of the great experiments in conservation.

  • Nearest city: Northville
  • Nearest major city: Utica
  • Visitors per year: -
Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park

Following the course of the Genesee River Letchwort State Park features numerous waterfalls. The park is also called the "Grand Canyon of the East" and it is a popular hiking, biking and fishing spot.

  • Nearest city: Castile
  • Nearest major city: Rochester
  • Visitors per year: 644,441 (in 2014)
Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. The park is one of the most popular camping places and it features three hiking trails through the amazing woodland landscapes.

  • Nearest city: Watkins Glen
  • Nearest major city: Syracuse
  • Visitors per year: -
Catskill Park

Catskill Park

The park is owned by the state as part of the Forest Preserve. There are bobcats, minks, 400 black bears and fishers in the preserve, and coyotes are often heard. The park is a popular camping and hunting area.

  • Nearest city: Phoenicia
  • Nearest major city: Albany
  • Visitors per year: 553,000 (in 2002)