Moving from Alexandria, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
It is a 248 mi drive, roughly 5h 7m, between Alexandria, VA and Pittsburgh, PA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
248 mi Β· 5h 7m by car Β· PA β MD β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β MD β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 70 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Pittsburgh at 94.671 vs Alexandria at 108.884.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $676,205 to $237,533 moving to Pittsburgh.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Alexandria | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 41.3" |
Annual temperature drops 6.9Β°F moving to Pittsburgh per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.21 |
Pittsburgh households earn about 13.1% less than Alexandria at the median β $113,638 β $64,137 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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 20β30% 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 13.1% lower than Alexandria (94.671 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 Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 248 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $676,205 in Alexandria β a 64.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $113,638 in Alexandria β a 43.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 248 mi and the route typically takes 5h 7m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 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 Β· Pittsburgh, PA.