Moving from Cambridge, MA to Alexandria, VA
The 441 mi from Cambridge to Alexandria translate to about 9h 19m behind the wheel through 8 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
441 mi Β· 9h 19m by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Philadelphia, Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cambridge (108.266) and Alexandria (108.884) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Alexandria: 0.6% below Cambridge on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 41.8" |
Climate warms by 8.1Β°F on the annual average β 51.2Β°F β 59.3Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.08 |
Income steps down 0.6%: $126,469 in Cambridge vs $113,638 in Alexandria.
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 Massachusetts 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 441 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 Cambridge vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 0.6% higher than Cambridge (108.884 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 441 mi and the route typically takes 9h 19m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 35.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Alexandria, VA.