Moving from Alexandria, VA to Santa Clara, CA
It is 2849 mi and 50h 12m from Alexandria to Santa Clara β a cross-country move across 12 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2849 mi Β· 50h 12m by car Β· VA β MD β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β MD β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 108.884 vs 110.423 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $676,205 to $1,782,192 moving to Santa Clara.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Alexandria | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 13.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Alexandria (59.3Β°F) and Santa Clara (60.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.4% β $113,638 β $173,670 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2849 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 1.4% higher than Alexandria (110.423 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $676,205 in Alexandria β a 163.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $113,638 in Alexandria β a 52.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 2849 mi and the route typically takes 50h 12m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 12 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 Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA Β· Santa Clara, CA.