Moving from Brownsville, TX to Alexandria, VA
A 1761 mi cross-country move between Brownsville and Alexandria is 32h 52m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1761 mi Β· 32h 52m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 81, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brownsville | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.975 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.15 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 57.72 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria is 26.6% above Brownsville β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
26.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Brownsville +2.1%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brownsville | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.8" |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.1Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brownsville | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 188,023 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $48,675 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 30.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.21 | 2.08 |
Alexandria households earn about 26.6% more than Brownsville at the median β $48,675 β $113,638 on ACS 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 Texas 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 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-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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Alexandria averages 13.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 does household income compare in Brownsville vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $48,675 in Brownsville β a 133.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Brownsville, TX?
The driving distance is 1761 mi and the route typically takes 32h 52m via I 59 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Brownsville to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1761 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Brownsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 26.6% higher than Brownsville (108.884 vs 85.975, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Brownsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $195,993 in Brownsville β a 245.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Brownsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 154,580 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 Brownsville.
City profiles: Brownsville, TX Β· Alexandria, VA.