Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Alexandria, VA
The 230 mi from Jersey City to Alexandria translate to about 4h 52m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
230 mi · 4h 52m by car · NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → DC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, MD 295 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Alexandria and Jersey City are close on the overall BEA RPP (112.563 vs 108.884); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jersey City | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.8°F vs 59.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.08 |
Income steps up 3.3%: $94,813 in Jersey City vs $113,638 in Alexandria.
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 New Jersey 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.
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 — 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 Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 3.3% lower than Jersey City (108.884 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 230 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Jersey City and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 54.8°F in Jersey City (4.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 50.4 in.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $94,813 in Jersey City — a 19.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $658,269 in Jersey City — a 2.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 230 mi and the route typically takes 4h 52m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ · Alexandria, VA.