Moving from Syracuse, NY to Alexandria, VA
The 387 mi from Syracuse to Alexandria translate to about 7h 52m behind the wheel through 6 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.
387 mi · 7h 52m by car · VA → DC → MD → DE → PA → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → DC → MD → DE → PA → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 476, I 81, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Philadelphia, Allentown |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria is 13.7% higher than Syracuse, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 13.7% above Syracuse — $210,251 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 41.8" |
Climate warms by 10.8°F on the annual average — 48.5°F → 59.3°F.
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: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.7% between Syracuse 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 York 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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 far is Alexandria, VA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 387 mi and the route typically takes 7h 52m via I 476 and I 81. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (10.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 39.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse 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 387 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 147.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 221.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 13.7% higher than Syracuse (108.884 vs 95.742, 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 Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Alexandria, VA.