Moving from Baltimore, MD to Alexandria, VA
Moving from Baltimore, MD to Alexandria, VA is a 48 mi drive, about 1h 16m by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
48 mi Β· 1h 16m by car Β· MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MD 295, I 395, US 1 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Alexandria and Baltimore are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.487 vs 108.884); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 4.2% above Baltimore at $188,101 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.1Β°F vs 59.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 4.2% above Baltimore ($59,623 vs $113,638, ACS 5-year 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 Maryland 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 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
- 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 β 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 Virginia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 48 mi and the route typically takes 1h 16m via MD 295 and I 395. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 4.2% higher than Baltimore (108.884 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 90.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 259.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 48 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Alexandria, VA.