Moving from Allentown, PA to Alexandria, VA
Relocating between Allentown, PA and Alexandria, VA is a 196 mi drive — 4h 15m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
196 mi · 4h 15m by car · VA → DC → MD → DE → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → DC → MD → DE → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 476, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.9% above Allentown — 99.968 → 108.884 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.9% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 41.8" |
Expect 6.2°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.9% — $53,403 → $113,638 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Pennsylvania 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 — 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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 far is Alexandria, VA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 196 mi and the route typically takes 4h 15m via I 95 and I 476. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 8.9% higher than Allentown (108.884 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 53.1°F in Allentown (6.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 47.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 118.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 196 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 112.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Alexandria, VA.