Alaska to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to California

ConsAlaska

• Long, harsh winters
• High cost of goods
• Limited job opportunities

ProsCalifornia

• Mild, sunny climate
• Better access to markets
• Diverse job market

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California

• High living costs
• Urban sprawl
• Traffic congestion

Alaska

• Stunning natural beauty
• Abundant wildlife
• Low crime rates

Pros of moving from Alaska to California

• Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a mild, sunny climate
• Look forward to moving away from a high cost of goods and moving to California with better access to markets
• Swap the limited job opportunities of Alaska for a diverse job market in California

Cons of moving from Alaska to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the stunning natural beauty in Alaska to live with high living costs in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of abundant wildlife and have to settle with the con of urban sprawl
• Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to traffic congestion in California

Alaska vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to California, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Avocado Toast of California. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetarian Burrito of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, 49th State Brewing Co, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, In-N-Out Burger, and Nopa.

When comparing lifestyles, California shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in California compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in California.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and California

• The Cabin and Rustic architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views, California real estate listings often highlight features like climate and tech amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• California has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• California housing costs are 121% more expensive than they are in Alaska with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in California have increased by 86% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in California is 56.51% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and California

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to California. California gets 89% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Alaska but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides in California.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 55 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 4% more than those in Alaska
• The COLI in California will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to CA, you will now have a state income tax of 1% to 13.3%
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate poverty in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. California

• Alaska tends to lean mixed and conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as leaning liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as religious diversity with a significant number of non-religious residents
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse faiths present

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to California