Moving from Dallas, TX to Richmond, VA
The drive from Dallas, TX to Richmond, VA runs 1275 mi — about 22h 50m 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.
1275 mi · 22h 50m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 97.858, putting Richmond roughly 5.1% below Dallas on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Richmond at $369,646 is 5.1% above Dallas at $309,421.
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 45.5" |
Climate cools by 9.1°F on the annual average — 68.0°F → 58.9°F.
Light snow year: Richmond gets around 8.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.23 |
Income steps down 5.1%: $67,760 in Dallas vs $62,671 in Richmond.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
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 — 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 7.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 68.0°F in Dallas (9.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 38.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1275 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 5.1% lower than Dallas (97.858 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 19.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Richmond, VA from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 1275 mi and the route typically takes 22h 50m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Richmond, VA.