Moving from Alexandria, VA to Jersey City, NJ
The 230 mi from Alexandria to Jersey City translate to about 4h 52m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
230 mi · 4h 52m by car · NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, MD 295 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Alexandria (108.884) and Jersey City (112.563) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $676,205 vs $658,269 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.35 |
Income steps down 3.4%: $113,638 in Alexandria vs $94,813 in Jersey City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 230 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 230 mi and the route typically takes 4h 52m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 3.4% higher than Alexandria (112.563 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 2.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 16.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Alexandria and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 59.3°F in Alexandria (4.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 13.7 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 41.8 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Jersey City, NJ.