Moving from Alexandria, VA to Chandler, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Alexandria, VA → Chandler, AZ cover 2303 mi and about 41h 8m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2303 mi · 41h 8m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → AR → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → AR → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.884 to 103.316, putting Chandler roughly 5.1% below Alexandria on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Chandler: 5.1% below Alexandria on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.63 |
Income steps down 5.1%: $113,638 in Alexandria vs $103,691 in Chandler.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 8.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2303 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 22.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 2303 mi and the route typically takes 41h 8m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chandler more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 5.1% lower than Alexandria (103.316 vs 108.884, 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 Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Chandler, AZ.