Moving from McAllen, TX to Alexandria, VA
Cross-country relocations like McAllen, TX → Alexandria, VA cover 1754 mi and about 32h 35m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1754 mi · 32h 35m by car · VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 81, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, New Orleans |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Alexandria runs 26.8% higher than McAllen — a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (85.895 → 108.884, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 26.8% above McAllen — $229,001 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | McAllen | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 49°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 41.8" |
Alexandria runs 16.2°F colder on the annual average (75.5°F vs 59.3°F) — expect a noticeably different year.
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: MCALLEN, TX US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 26.8% between McAllen 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 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.2°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 does the job market in Alexandria compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $60,165 in McAllen — a 88.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from McAllen 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 1754 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Alexandria more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 26.8% higher than McAllen (108.884 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between McAllen and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 75.5°F in McAllen (16.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 18.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $229,001 in McAllen — a 195.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Alexandria, VA from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1754 mi and the route typically takes 32h 35m via I 59 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX · Alexandria, VA.