Moving from Alexandria, VA to Gilbert, AZ

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Gilbert, AZ is a 2298 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 41h 10m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.

2298 mi Β· 41h 10m by car Β· AZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ VA

COL -5.1% Home values -15.3% Ξ” +12.1Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2298 mi
Drive time
41h 10m
States
7
Fuel (25 mpg)
92 gal
Route throughAZ β†’ NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ VA
Primary highwaysI 40, AZ 77, I 81
Major cities en routeChandler, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Phoenix

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

AlexandriaGilbertU.S. avg
All items (RPP)108.884103.316100.0
Rents106.793.332100.0
Goods104.84795.024100.0
Services151.134121.236100.0

Overall prices in Gilbert are 5.1% below Alexandria β€” a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Alexandria β€” typical home
$676,205
Gilbert β€” typical home
$572,507
Alexandria β€” typical rent
$2,241/mo
Gilbert β€” typical rent
$2,051/mo

Zillow typical home value is 5.1% lower in Gilbert than Alexandria as of 2026-03.

YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAlexandriaGilbert
Annual avg temperature59Β°F71Β°F
January avg low30Β°F41Β°F
July avg high90Β°F104Β°F
Annual snowfall13.7"β€”
Annual precipitation41.8"β€”

Gilbert runs 12.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (59.3Β°F vs 71.4Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AlexandriaGilbert
Population156,788271,118
Median household income$113,638$121,351
Median age37.535.7
Bachelor's degree or higher31.4%30.7%
Avg household size2.082.96

Median household income in Gilbert is 5.1% above Alexandria ($113,638 β†’ $121,351, ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Alexandria MSA β€” median wage
$65,110
Gilbert MSA β€” median wage
$48,600
Alexandria MSA β€” employment
3,092,070
Gilbert MSA β€” employment
2,289,130

Top occupations in Gilbert MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 314,170 $45,080
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 205,010 $34,400
Sales and Related Occupations 204,700 $37,700
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 199,140 $40,870
Management Occupations 170,690 $105,420

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Virginia and Arizona

Virginia income tax
5.75% top marginal
Arizona income tax
2.5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 β€” 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
  • Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
  • 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 Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • 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 Arizona after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Gilbert?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2298 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Gilbert?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $113,638 in Alexandria β€” a 6.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Gilbert, AZ from Alexandria, VA?

The driving distance is 2298 mi and the route typically takes 41h 10m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Gilbert more expensive than Alexandria?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 5.1% lower than Alexandria (103.316 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Alexandria?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Alexandria?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $676,205 in Alexandria β€” a 15.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.

City profiles: Alexandria, VA Β· Gilbert, AZ.

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