Albany, New York
In Albany, New York, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.85 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.40 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,600, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Albany's cost-of-living index of 108 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.85
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,600
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$16.52
Combo meal
Electricity
21.8¢/kWh
~$196/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$248/mo
$2,980/yr state avg
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Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.89 | $2.25 | $2.94 | $4.39 | $2.39 | +2960.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.65 | $3.98 | $3.90 | $4.06 | $4.14 | +630.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.04 | $5.01 | $5.26 | $5.52 | $5.69 | +40.8% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.20 | $2.97 | $3.27 | $3.43 | $3.50 | +1900.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.96 | $4.16 | $4.33 | $4.42 | $4.46 | +2630.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.16 | $4.61 | $4.79 | $4.93 | $5.03 | +20.9% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.44 | $7.09 | $7.52 | $7.98 | $8.30 | +28.9% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.93 | $6.46 | $6.79 | $7.06 | $7.20 | +21.4% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.61 | $1.98 | $2.06 | $2.08 | $2.12 | +31.7% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.29 | $4.88 | $5.08 | $5.29 | $5.45 | +27.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.60 | $10.42 | $11.37 | $11.94 | $12.30 | +43.0% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.88 | $4.58 | $4.94 | $5.29 | $5.39 | +38.9% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.05 | $4.34 | $4.47 | $4.56 | $4.56 | +12.6% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.69 | $4.97 | $5.27 | $5.37 | $5.37 | +14.5% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.32 | $2.57 | $2.75 | $2.86 | $2.92 | +25.9% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.82 | $1.98 | $2.14 | $2.27 | $2.31 | +26.9% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.79 | $7.09 | $7.81 | $8.12 | $8.20 | +41.6% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.33 | $4.68 | $4.96 | $5.21 | $5.37 | +24.0% |
| Cereal (family size) | $5.05 | $5.69 | $6.09 | $6.40 | $6.59 | +30.5% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.59 | $7.91 | $8.46 | $9.06 | $9.24 | +40.2% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$16.52
Casual Dining
$31.75
Monthly Spend
$489.14
+3.75% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $10.24
$16.52
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $11.56
$17.84
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $12.39
$18.50
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $5.23
$7.26
+38.8%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Albany?
Average 1BR: $1,248/mo · 2BR: $1,888/mo
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