Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Alexandria, VA
Relocating between Chesapeake, VA and Alexandria, VA is a 203 mi drive β 4h 9m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
203 mi Β· 4h 9m by car Β· VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 64, I 664 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $420,756 to $676,205 moving to Alexandria.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 41.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Chesapeake (63.0Β°F) and Alexandria (59.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.2% β $94,189 β $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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 20.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 203 mi and the route typically takes 4h 9m via I 95 and I 64. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 60.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 203 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.2% higher than Chesapeake (108.884 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Alexandria, VA.