Moving from Montgomery, AL to Alexandria, VA
A move from Montgomery, AL to Alexandria, VA covers 791 mi and around 14h 59m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
791 mi Β· 14h 59m 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 95, US 15 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Alexandria runs 21.4% higher than Montgomery β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (89.682 β 108.884, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 21.4% above Montgomery β $151,228 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 41.8" |
Alexandria is 8.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (67.9Β°F vs 59.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
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: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 21.4% above Montgomery ($55,687 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 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 Montgomery vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 104.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 347.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 791 mi and the route typically takes 14h 59m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 791 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 21.4% higher than Montgomery (108.884 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Alexandria, VA.