Moving from Lowell, MA to Alexandria, VA
Relocating between Lowell, MA and Alexandria, VA is a 449 mi drive β 9h 28m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
449 mi Β· 9h 28m by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NJTP, I 95, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Philadelphia, Elizabeth, New York, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 108.266 vs 108.884 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $480,319 to $676,205 moving to Alexandria.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 41.8" |
Expect 10.3Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: LOWELL, MA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.6% β $76,205 β $113,638 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 warmer climate (10.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Lowell vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 49.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 449 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 40.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 0.6% higher than Lowell (108.884 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 449 mi and the route typically takes 9h 28m via NJTP and I 95. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Alexandria, VA.