Moving from College Station, TX to Alexandria, VA
The drive from College Station, TX to Alexandria, VA runs 1432 mi β about 26h 22m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1432 mi Β· 26h 22m by car Β· VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis, Little Rock, Tyler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Alexandria is 19.7% higher than College Station, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Alexandria is 19.7% above College Station β $349,041 vs $676,205 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 41.8" |
Climate cools by 10.1Β°F on the annual average β 69.4Β°F β 59.3Β°F.
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: COLLEGE STN, TX US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 19.7% between College Station and Alexandria (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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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 (10.1Β°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 far is Alexandria, VA from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1432 mi and the route typically takes 26h 22m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1432 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $349,041 in College Station β a 93.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $51,776 in College Station β a 119.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 19.7% higher than College Station (108.884 vs 90.951, 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 College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Alexandria, VA.