Money, tipping, and prices in Albany
What things actually cost in 2024-2025 and the tipping norms locals expect.
Cash and cards on a restaurant table in Albany
What things cost
Coffee: $4 to $6 for a proper flat white at Stacks or Superior Merchandise; $3 at diners. Beer: $6 to $8 drafts, $9 to $14 cocktails. Casual lunch $12 to $18 with tip; sit-down dinner $28 to $45 per person before drinks. Family room in Center Square $140 to $200. CDTA bus $1.50. Museum admission $9 to $15 for paid ones; the big ones (State Museum, Capitol) are free.
Tipping
Restaurants: 18 to 20 percent standard, 22 percent for good service. Bars: $1 to $2 per drink, or 18 percent on a tab. Rideshare: 15 to 20 percent through the app. Hotel housekeeping: $3 to $5 a night, left on the pillow. Airport shuttle drivers and bellhops: $2 to $5. Sales tax in Albany is 8 percent and hotel occupancy tax adds another 6 percent, so a $150 room actually costs about $171.
Cards versus cash
Cards accepted everywhere except a handful of old-school bars (Ryan's Wake, some VFW halls) and Hattie's in Saratoga which prefers cash. Contactless works at all chain hotels and most restaurants. ATMs at bank branches on State Street have no fee; convenience-store ATMs charge $3.50. No need to carry more than $40 in cash on any given day.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Not much. $40 to $60 for tips, farmers markets, and the rare cash-only bar. Cards work everywhere else.
8 percent on most goods and restaurant meals. Groceries and clothing under $110 per item are exempt.
18 percent is standard, 20 percent is generous, 22 percent is for genuinely great service. Nothing below 18 without a specific reason.
Almost never online. Add 14 percent (8 percent sales + 6 percent occupancy) to any Albany room rate to see the real total.
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