Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Alexandria, VA
It is 798 mi between Tuscaloosa and Alexandria β roughly 14h 52m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
798 mi Β· 14h 52m by car Β· VA β TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 87.722 in Tuscaloosa to 108.884 in Alexandria, putting overall prices 24.1% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 24.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $228,947 to $676,205 moving to Alexandria.
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 41.8" |
Annual temperature drops 5.0Β°F moving to Alexandria per NOAA normals.
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: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.08 |
Alexandria households earn about 24.1% more than Tuscaloosa at the median β $48,536 β $113,638 on 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 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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 far is Alexandria, VA from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 798 mi and the route typically takes 14h 52m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 798 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 195.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 134.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 24.1% higher than Tuscaloosa (108.884 vs 87.722, 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Alexandria, VA.