Moving from Waco, TX to Alexandria, VA
The drive from Waco, TX to Alexandria, VA runs 1425 mi — about 25h 44m 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.
1425 mi · 25h 44m by car · VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria is 17.6% higher than Waco, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 17.6% above Waco — $194,245 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 41.8" |
Climate cools by 7.3°F on the annual average — 66.6°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: WACO DAM, TX US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 17.6% between Waco 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 Texas 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.
- 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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Waco 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 1425 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $51,468 in Waco — a 120.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Waco and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 66.6°F in Waco (7.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 37.5 in.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 17.6% higher than Waco (108.884 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $194,245 in Waco — a 248.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1425 mi and the route typically takes 25h 44m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Alexandria, VA.