Moving from Richmond, VA to Alexandria, VA
Relocating between Richmond, VA and Alexandria, VA is a 103 mi drive — 2h 6m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
103 mi · 2h 6m by car · VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 395, US 17 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.3% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.3% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $369,646 to $676,205 moving to Alexandria.
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Richmond | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 41.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Richmond (58.9°F) and Alexandria (59.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.3% — $62,671 → $113,638 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $369,646 in Richmond — a 82.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.3% higher than Richmond (108.884 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Richmond and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 58.9°F in Richmond (0.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 8.8 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 45.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Richmond 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 103 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $62,671 in Richmond — a 81.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 103 mi and the route typically takes 2h 6m via I 95 and I 395. The trip crosses 1 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 Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA · Alexandria, VA.