Moving from Alexandria, VA to Baltimore, MD
Moving from Alexandria, VA to Baltimore, MD is a 48 mi drive, about 1h 16m by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
48 mi · 1h 16m by car · MD → DC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD → DC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MD 295, I 395, US 1 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
Baltimore and Alexandria are close on the overall BEA RPP (108.884 vs 104.487); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Baltimore typical home at $188,101 is 4.0% under Alexandria at $676,205 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 43.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 59.3°F vs 59.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.3 |
Median household income in Baltimore is 4.0% below Alexandria ($113,638 vs $59,623, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,740 | $46,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,980 | $42,010 |
| Management Occupations | 113,490 | $120,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 107,080 | $84,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 102,740 | $35,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Maryland
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Maryland after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Baltimore?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 48 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 4.0% lower than Alexandria (104.487 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Baltimore, MD from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 48 mi and the route typically takes 1h 16m via MD 295 and I 395. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 72.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 47.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Baltimore, MD.