Moving from Huntsville, AL to Richmond, VA
A move from Huntsville, AL to Richmond, VA covers 652 mi and around 12h 9m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
652 mi · 12h 9m by car · VA → TN → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 52, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Chattanooga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Richmond is 5.1% higher than Huntsville, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richmond is 5.1% above Huntsville — $287,569 vs $369,646 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Huntsville | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 45.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Huntsville (62.9°F) and Richmond (58.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.23 |
Median household income in Richmond is 5.1% below Huntsville ($70,778 → $62,671, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Frequently asked
Is Richmond more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 5.1% higher than Huntsville (97.858 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 652 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $287,569 in Huntsville — a 28.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Huntsville and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 62.9°F in Huntsville (4.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 2.4 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 54.3 in.
How far is Richmond, VA from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 652 mi and the route typically takes 12h 9m via I 81 and US 52. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Huntsville vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $70,778 in Huntsville — a 11.5% lower 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 Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL · Richmond, VA.