Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Alexandria, VA
Relocating 888 mi from Palm Bay to Alexandria is a 16h 22m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
888 mi Β· 16h 22m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 295, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Savannah, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.9% above Palm Bay β 100.005 β 108.884 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 41.8" |
Expect 13.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.9% β $67,521 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 Florida 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.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Palm Bay vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 68.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 8.9% higher than Palm Bay (108.884 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 888 mi and the route typically takes 16h 22m via I 95 and I 295. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 123.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 888 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 236,890 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Alexandria, VA.