Movers

Alaska to Colorado Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 2,575 mile interstate move from Alaska to Colorado? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Colorado across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs milder winter climate), food & health (like King Crab vs Rocky Mountain Oysters), real estate & housing (log cabins, modern vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to King Crab and Reindeer Sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Rocky Mountain Oysters & Bison Burgers
  • Colorado housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Colorado is 16.34% more expensive than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Colorado movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Alaska to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Colorado

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Limited connectivity
  • High cost of living
  • Remote location
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Milder winter climate
  • Better internet access
  • More affordable housing
  • Centralized in mainland

Colorado iconColorado
  • Less untouched nature
  • Fewer wildlife sightings
  • Less indigenous history
  • More urbanized lifestyle
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning wilderness
  • Unique wildlife
  • Cultural heritage
  • Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Alaska to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a milder winter climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited connectivity and moving to Colorado with better internet access
  • Swap the high cost of living in Alaska for more affordable housing in Colorado
  • Get ready for being centralized in the mainland in Colorado

Cons of moving from Alaska to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning wilderness in Alaska to live with less untouched nature in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle for the con of fewer wildlife sightings
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural heritage and get used to less indigenous history in Colorado
  • Swap close-knit communities for a more urbanized lifestyle

Alaska vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaColorado
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageBison Burgers
Most popular street food itemSmoked SalmonBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Glacier Brewhouse
  • Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
  • Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alaska to Colorado, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Smoked Salmon, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Breakfast Burritos 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 Quinoa Salad of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, Glacier Brewhouse, and Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Colorado

ComparisonAlaskaColorado
Typical Architecture StyleLog cabins, ModernRanch, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingScenic views, PrivacyMountain views, Outdoor living
  • The Log cabins and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Colorado.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and outdoor living.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Colorado is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Colorado is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Colorado has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Colorado housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in Alaska with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 97% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Colorado is 16.34% more expensive than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaColorado
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, AvalanchesWildfires, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60-80Β°F/40-50Β°F85-95Β°F/55-60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)0-30Β°F/-20--10Β°F45-60Β°F/15-25Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"17"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"60"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Colorado. Colorado gets 63% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Colorado has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and avalanches in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and tornadoes in Colorado.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 35 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado. Colorado receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Colorado

ComparisonAlaskaColorado
Avg. Household Income$88,121$89,302
Cost of Living Index132.698.3
State Income Tax0%4.55%
Avg. Property Tax1.19%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%2.9%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismAerospace, Agriculture, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyMediumLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 1% more than those in Alaska
  • The COLI in Colorado will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to CO, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.55%
  • The affluence in Colorado is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to a medium level in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Colorado

ComparisonAlaskaColorado
Political Make-upLean conservativeModerately liberal
Local PoliticsResource-driven policiesEco-friendly and progressive policies
ReligionChristianity predominant with diverse religious practicesChristianity predominant, but with a growing number of non-religious residents
  • Alaska tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal
  • Colorado's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, but with a growing number of non-religious residents
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with diverse religious practices

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Colorado

ComparisonAlaskaColorado
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsDenali Elementary School
Fairbanks; O'Malley Elementary School
Anchorage; North Star Elementary School
Anchorage
Bromwell Elementary School
Denver; Cory Elementary School
Denver; Bear Creek Elementary School
Boulder
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMears Middle School
Anchorage; Romig Middle School
Anchorage; Mirror Lake Middle School
Chugiak
Kruse Elementary School
Parker; Summit Charter Middle School
Boulder; Challenge School
Denver
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School
Anchorage; South Anchorage High School
Anchorage; Dimond High School
Anchorage
Cherry Creek High School
Greenwood Village; Fairview High School
Boulder; East High School
Denver
Top 3 private high schoolsHoly Rosary Academy
Anchorage; Lumen Christi High School
Anchorage; Grace Christian School
Anchorage
Valor Christian High School
Highlands Ranch; Kent Denver School
Englewood; The Colorado Springs School
Colorado Springs
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy
Anchorage; Anchorage Waldorf School
Anchorage; Grace Christian School
Anchorage
Colorado Academy
Denver; The Denver Waldorf School
Denver; Fountain Valley School
Colorado Springs
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Cherry Creek School District
Boulder Valley School District
Douglas County School District

Top Alaska to Colorado Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alaska to Colorado movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Colorado

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10