Moving from Hayward, CA to Alexandria, VA
Cross-country relocations like Hayward, CA β Alexandria, VA cover 2832 mi and about 49h 55m of driving through 12 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2832 mi Β· 49h 55m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β MD β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β MD β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hayward | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Alexandria are 5.8% below Hayward β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 5.8% under Hayward at $848,427 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Hayward -6.3%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hayward | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 75Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.0" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.7Β°F vs 59.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hayward | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 159,201 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $113,775 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.08 |
Household income lines up β $113,775 vs $113,638 on ACS 5-year 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 does household income compare in Hayward vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $113,775 in Hayward β a 0.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Hayward?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 5.8% lower than Hayward (108.884 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Hayward, CA?
The driving distance is 2832 mi and the route typically takes 49h 55m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Hayward?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $848,427 in Hayward β a 20.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Hayward?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $72,050 in the Hayward MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Hayward to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2832 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hayward.
City profiles: Hayward, CA Β· Alexandria, VA.