Moving from Manchester, NH to Alexandria, VA
Moving from Manchester, NH to Alexandria, VA covers 475 mi and about 10h 6m by car through 9 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.
475 mi · 10h 6m by car · VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ → NY → CT → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → DC → MD → DE → NJ → NY → CT → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Philadelphia, Elizabeth, New York, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Manchester (105.657) and Alexandria (108.884) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Alexandria: 3.1% above Manchester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 41.8" |
Alexandria runs 11.9°F warmer on the annual average (47.4°F vs 59.3°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 3.1% above Manchester ($77,415 vs $113,638, ACS 5-year 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 New Hampshire 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.9°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 55.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 3.1% higher than Manchester (108.884 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 475 mi and the route typically takes 10h 6m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 47.4°F in Manchester (11.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 42.5 in.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 46.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Manchester 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 475 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Alexandria, VA.