Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Alexandria, VA
Relocating 594 mi from Chattanooga to Alexandria is a 11h 2m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
594 mi · 11h 2m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Alexandria runs about 19.0% more expensive overall than Chattanooga — RPP 91.464 → 108.884.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $319,579 in Chattanooga to $676,205 in Alexandria, a 19.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Chattanooga | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.9°F vs 59.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 19.0% — $61,028 → $113,638 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Tennessee 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.
- 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 far is Alexandria, VA from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 594 mi and the route typically takes 11h 2m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga 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 594 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $61,028 in Chattanooga — a 86.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $319,579 in Chattanooga — a 111.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 19.0% higher than Chattanooga (108.884 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Chattanooga and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 61.9°F in Chattanooga (2.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 3.6 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 55.0 in.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 261,750 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 Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN · Alexandria, VA.