Moving from St. Louis, MO to Alexandria, VA
The drive from St. Louis, MO to Alexandria, VA runs 847 mi β about 15h 51m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
847 mi Β· 15h 51m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β KY β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, US 48, I 79 |
| Major cities en route | Evansville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 14.5% pricier overall in Alexandria than St. Louis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 58.0Β°F vs 59.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.5% between St. Louis 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 Missouri 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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 the job market in Alexandria compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Alexandria, VA from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 847 mi and the route typically takes 15h 51m via I 64 and US 48. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 105.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 14.5% higher than St. Louis (108.884 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 847 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Alexandria, VA.