Moving from Cleveland, OH to Alexandria, VA
It is a 374 mi drive, roughly 7h 22m, between Cleveland, OH and Alexandria, VA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
374 mi Β· 7h 22m by car Β· OH β PA β MD β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β MD β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $115,537 to $676,205 moving to Alexandria.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 41.8" |
Annual temperature rises 7.0Β°F moving to Alexandria per NOAA normals.
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.08 |
Alexandria households earn about 15.9% more than Cleveland at the median β $39,187 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 Ohio 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
- 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.
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.
- 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 Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 374 mi and the route typically takes 7h 22m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 485.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 374 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 190.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 15.9% higher than Cleveland (108.884 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Alexandria, VA.