Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Alexandria, VA
The 204 mi from Virginia Beach to Alexandria translate to about 4h 5m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
204 mi · 4h 5m by car · VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 95, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Virginia Beach | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Virginia Beach to 108.884 in Alexandria, a 11.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Alexandria: 11.2% above Virginia Beach on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Virginia Beach +2.8%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Virginia Beach | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.4" | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 41.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.7 in of snowfall annually at Alexandria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OCEANA NAS, VA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Virginia Beach | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.08 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.2% between Virginia Beach and Alexandria (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.
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
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach 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 204 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Virginia Beach and Alexandria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.3°F in Alexandria vs 59.8°F in Virginia Beach (0.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.7 in vs 3.4 in. Annual precipitation: 41.8 in vs 46.6 in.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Virginia Beach, VA?
The driving distance is 204 mi and the route typically takes 4h 5m via I 64 and I 95. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Virginia Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,990 in the Virginia Beach 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.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Virginia Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $427,032 in Virginia Beach — a 58.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Virginia Beach vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $90,685 in Virginia Beach — a 25.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Virginia Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.2% higher than Virginia Beach (108.884 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Virginia Beach.
City profiles: Virginia Beach, VA · Alexandria, VA.