Moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Alexandria, VA
A move from Sandy Springs, GA to Alexandria, VA covers 627 mi and around 11h 59m of driving through 4 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.
627 mi Β· 11h 59m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sandy Springs | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 8.8% pricier overall in Alexandria than Sandy Springs on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Sandy Springs +2.8%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sandy Springs | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 61.5Β°F vs 59.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sandy Springs | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,198 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $101,593 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.8% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 8.8% above Sandy Springs ($101,593 β $113,638, ACS 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 Georgia 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.
- 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 Sandy Springs vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $101,593 in Sandy Springs β a 11.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Sandy Springs, GA?
The driving distance is 627 mi and the route typically takes 11h 59m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Sandy Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $691,063 in Sandy Springs β a 2.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Sandy Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 8.8% higher than Sandy Springs (108.884 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Sandy Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Sandy Springs to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 627 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sandy Springs.
City profiles: Sandy Springs, GA Β· Alexandria, VA.