Moving from Durham, NC to Alexandria, VA
The 254 mi from Durham to Alexandria translate to about 4h 54m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
254 mi Β· 4h 54m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, US 15 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.572 in Durham to 108.884 in Alexandria, a 11.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Alexandria: 11.6% above Durham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 41.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.6% between Durham 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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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.
- 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
Is Alexandria more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.6% higher than Durham (108.884 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $396,395 in Durham β a 70.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 254 mi and the route typically takes 4h 54m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 254 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 Durham vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $79,234 in Durham β a 43.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Alexandria, VA.