Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Alexandria, VA
Relocating 920 mi from St. Petersburg to Alexandria is a 17h 16m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
920 mi · 17h 16m by car · FL → GA → SC → NC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL → GA → SC → NC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 301, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Clearwater, Tampa, Lakeland, Gainesville, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Petersburg | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.9% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Petersburg —, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | St. Petersburg | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 54°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 41.8" |
Expect 15.2°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
Alexandria averages 13.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG, FL US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Petersburg | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 260,646 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $73,118 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 7.9% — $73,118 → $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 — 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.2°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
Is Alexandria more expensive than St. Petersburg?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 7.9% higher than St. Petersburg (108.884 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Alexandria, VA from St. Petersburg, FL?
The driving distance is 920 mi and the route typically takes 17h 16m via I 95 and US 301. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to St. Petersburg?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,420 in the St. Petersburg MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in St. Petersburg vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $73,118 in St. Petersburg — a 55.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg 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 920 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between St. Petersburg and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 74.5°F in St. Petersburg (15.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 52.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Petersburg.
City profiles: St. Petersburg, FL · Alexandria, VA.