Moving from Knoxville, TN to Alexandria, VA
The 490 mi from Knoxville to Alexandria translate to about 9h 4m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
490 mi · 9h 4m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 66 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria is 17.6% higher than Knoxville, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 17.6% above Knoxville — $369,216 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Knoxville | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 41.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Knoxville (57.9°F) and Alexandria (59.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 17.6% between Knoxville and Alexandria (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 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
Is Alexandria more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 17.6% higher than Knoxville (108.884 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 4m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $369,216 in Knoxville — a 83.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville 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 490 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $50,994 in Knoxville — a 122.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN · Alexandria, VA.