Moving from Cary, NC to Alexandria, VA
Moving from Cary, NC to Alexandria, VA covers 269 mi and about 5h 14m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
269 mi · 5h 14m by car · NC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, US 15 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 98.157 in Cary to 108.884 in Alexandria, a 10.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Alexandria at $676,205 is 10.9% above Cary at $626,396.
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cary | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 41.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 10.9% below Cary ($129,399 → $113,638, 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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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.
- 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 Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $626,396 in Cary — a 8.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 269 mi and the route typically takes 5h 14m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $129,399 in Cary — a 12.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cary 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 269 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 10.9% higher than Cary (108.884 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Cary and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 60.1°F in Cary (0.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 4.8 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 48.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC · Alexandria, VA.