Moving from West Palm Beach, FL to Alexandria, VA
A move from West Palm Beach, FL to Alexandria, VA covers 983 mi and around 18h 6m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
983 mi Β· 18h 6m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 295, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Savannah, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Palm Beach | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Alexandria and West Palm Beach are close on the overall BEA RPP (114.155 vs 108.884); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 4.6% above West Palm Beach at $399,471 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: West Palm Beach -3.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Palm Beach | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 58Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 61.7" | 41.8" |
NOAA normals show Alexandria running 16.5Β°F below West Palm Beach on the annual mean.
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: WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Palm Beach | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,508 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $69,261 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 4.6% above West Palm Beach ($69,261 vs $113,638, ACS 5-year 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 Florida 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 household income compare in West Palm Beach vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $69,261 in West Palm Beach β a 64.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to West Palm Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from West Palm Beach to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 983 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to West Palm Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $399,471 in West Palm Beach β a 69.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Alexandria, VA from West Palm Beach, FL?
The driving distance is 983 mi and the route typically takes 18h 6m via I 95 and I 295. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Alexandria more expensive than West Palm Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 4.6% lower than West Palm Beach (108.884 vs 114.155, 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 West Palm Beach.
City profiles: West Palm Beach, FL Β· Alexandria, VA.