Moving from Memphis, TN to Alexandria, VA
It is 873 mi between Memphis and Alexandria — roughly 16h 5m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
873 mi · 16h 5m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 18.1% above Memphis — 92.179 → 108.884 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
18.1% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 41.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.08 |
Alexandria households earn about 18.1% more than Memphis at the median — $51,211 → $113,638 on 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
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 873 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 367.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 121.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 18.1% higher than Memphis (108.884 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 873 mi and the route typically takes 16h 5m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 63.4°F in Memphis (4.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 54.9 in.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Alexandria, VA.