Moving from Alexandria, VA to Chicago, IL
Relocating 703 mi from Alexandria to Chicago is a 13h 19m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
703 mi Β· 13h 19m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β MD β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β MD β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Alexandria | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | β |
Expect 8.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.9% β $113,638 β $75,134 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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
Is Chicago more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 4.9% lower than Alexandria (103.595 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 703 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Chicago, IL from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 703 mi and the route typically takes 13h 19m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $676,205 in Alexandria β a 53.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $113,638 in Alexandria β a 33.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA Β· Chicago, IL.