Moving from Alexandria, VA to Elizabeth, NJ
The 220 mi from Alexandria to Elizabeth translate to about 4h 39m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
220 mi · 4h 39m by car · VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, I 895 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Alexandria (108.884) and Elizabeth (112.563) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Elizabeth: 3.4% below Alexandria on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.4% between Alexandria and Elizabeth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Alexandria and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 59.3°F in Alexandria (3.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 13.7 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 41.8 in.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 43.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 20.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 220 mi and the route typically takes 4h 39m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 3.4% higher than Alexandria (112.563 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 220 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Elizabeth, NJ.