Moving from Alexandria, VA to Birmingham, AL
Relocating 744 mi from Alexandria to Birmingham is a 13h 44m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
744 mi · 13h 44m by car · AL → GA → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → GA → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.8% cheaper overall in Birmingham than Alexandria on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.8% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 56.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Birmingham gets around 1.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.25 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.8% — $113,638 → $44,376 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 Birmingham average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 60.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 744 mi and the route typically takes 13h 44m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Alexandria and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 59.3°F in Alexandria (4.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 13.7 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 41.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 79.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 744 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 15.8% lower than Alexandria (91.644 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Birmingham, AL.