Moving from Mobile, AL to Alexandria, VA
It is 965 mi between Mobile and Alexandria β roughly 18h 9m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
965 mi Β· 18h 9m by car Β· AL β GA β SC β NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β SC β NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 65, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Montgomery, Columbus, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 88.098 in Mobile to 108.884 in Alexandria, putting overall prices 23.6% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 23.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $194,564 to $676,205 moving to Alexandria.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 41.8" |
Annual temperature drops 9.8Β°F moving to Alexandria per NOAA normals.
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.08 |
Alexandria households earn about 23.6% more than Mobile at the median β $51,090 β $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 Alabama 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 β 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
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 122.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 23.6% higher than Mobile (108.884 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 965 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 247.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 965 mi and the route typically takes 18h 9m via I 85 and I 65. The trip crosses 5 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 Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Alexandria, VA.