Moving from Norfolk, VA to Alexandria, VA
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 184 mi and about 3h 37m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
184 mi · 3h 37m by car · VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 64, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 11.2% pricier overall in Alexandria than Norfolk on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 11.2% above Norfolk at $306,227 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norfolk | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.4°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: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 11.2% above Norfolk ($64,017 vs $113,638, 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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Alexandria, VA from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 184 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via I 95 and I 64. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.2% higher than Norfolk (108.884 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk 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 184 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $64,017 in Norfolk — a 77.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Norfolk and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 61.4°F in Norfolk (2.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 3.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 45.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $306,227 in Norfolk — a 120.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA · Alexandria, VA.