Moving from Carrollton, TX to Alexandria, VA
The drive from Carrollton, TX to Alexandria, VA runs 1340 mi β about 24h 10m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1340 mi Β· 24h 10m by car Β· VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carrollton | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 5.6% pricier overall in Alexandria than Carrollton on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 5.6% above Carrollton at $406,040 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Carrollton -4.6%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carrollton | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 41.8" |
Climate cools by 6.5Β°F on the annual average β 65.8Β°F β 59.3Β°F.
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: RICHARDSON, TX US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carrollton | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 132,741 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $99,115 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.08 |
Income steps up 5.6%: $99,115 in Carrollton 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 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 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.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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 much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Carrollton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $406,040 in Carrollton β a 66.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Carrollton vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $99,115 in Carrollton β a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Carrollton to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1340 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Carrollton, TX?
The driving distance is 1340 mi and the route typically takes 24h 10m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Carrollton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 5.6% higher than Carrollton (108.884 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Carrollton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 3,966,500 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 Carrollton.
City profiles: Carrollton, TX Β· Alexandria, VA.