Moving from Austin, TX to Alexandria, VA
Cross-country relocations like Austin, TX → Alexandria, VA cover 1524 mi and about 27h 17m of driving through 4 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1524 mi · 27h 17m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria is 11.0% higher than Austin, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 11.0% above Austin — $508,530 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Austin | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 42°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 41.8" |
Climate cools by 10.7°F on the annual average — 70.0°F → 59.3°F.
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.0% between Austin and Alexandria (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Alexandria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 384,770 | $101,420 |
| Management Occupations | 304,760 | $154,420 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 296,400 | $48,960 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 244,010 | $35,930 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 239,700 | $129,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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
- Winter gear first: Alexandria averages 13.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.7°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Virginia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Austin to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1524 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $91,461 in Austin — a 24.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.0% higher than Austin (108.884 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 1524 mi and the route typically takes 27h 17m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $508,530 in Austin — a 33.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Austin and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 70.0°F in Austin (10.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 0.2 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 36.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX · Alexandria, VA.