Moving from Newark, NJ to Alexandria, VA
The 226 mi from Newark to Alexandria translate to about 4h 47m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
226 mi · 4h 47m by car · NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, MD 295 |
| Major cities en route | Paterson, Jersey City, Yonkers, New York, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Newark (112.563) 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: 3.3% above Newark on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 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: HARRISON, NJ US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.3% between Newark 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 New Jersey 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.
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
What is the climate difference between Newark and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 54.8°F in Newark (4.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 50.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $478,455 in Newark — a 41.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 3.3% lower than Newark (108.884 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $48,416 in Newark — a 134.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Newark 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 226 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 226 mi and the route typically takes 4h 47m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 9,495,240 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 Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Alexandria, VA.