Movers

Alaska to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 3,490 mile interstate move from Alaska to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like King Crab vs Half-smoke), real estate & housing (cabin/lodge vs federal and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to King Crab and Reindeer sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Half-smoke & Mumbo sauce on chicken
  • DC housing costs are 75% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in DC is 37.75% more expensive than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Alaska to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to DC

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Harsh winters
  • Remote location
  • Limited job market
  • High cost of goods
ProsDC iconDC
  • Milder climate
  • Urban amenities
  • Career opportunities
  • Competitive pricing

DC iconDC
  • Urban congestion
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busy atmosphere
  • Limited green space
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Natural beauty
  • Fresh seafood
  • Peaceful lifestyle
  • Outdoor activities

Pros of moving from Alaska to DC

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a remote location and moving to DC with urban amenities
  • Swap the limited job market of Alaska for career opportunities in DC
  • Get ready for competitive pricing in DC

Cons of moving from Alaska to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Alaska to live with urban congestion in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of fresh seafood and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to a peaceful lifestyle and get used to a busy atmosphere in DC
  • Swap outdoor activities for limited green space

Alaska vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaDC
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabHalf-smoke
Most popular meat dishReindeer sausageMumbo sauce on chicken
Most popular street food itemSmoked salmon quesadillaFood truck tacos
Most popular vegan foodWild berry cobblerImpossible burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Homestead Restaurant
  • Merrill Field Inn
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
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 DC, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Smoked Salmon Quesadilla, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce on chicken and food truck tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berry Cobbler they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Impossible Burger of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Homestead Restaurant, and Merrill Field Inn. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rosa's Thai Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and DC

ComparisonAlaskaDC
Typical Architecture StyleCabin/LodgeFederal and Victorian
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, PrivacyProximity to Metro, Rooftop Decks
  • The Cabin/Lodge architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metro and rooftop decks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • DC housing costs are 75% more expensive than they are in Alaska with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in DC have increased by 29% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in DC is 37.75% more expensive than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaDC
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, VolcanoesHurricanes, Winter Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60-80Β°F / 40-55Β°F87Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)0-30Β°F / -20-15Β°F47Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22" (varies greatly by region)40"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75" (varies greatly by region)15.4"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to DC. DC gets 35% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 27 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows in DC are 50 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 18 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and DC

ComparisonAlaskaDC
Avg. Household Income$88,121$101,027
Cost of Living Index132.6140.1
State Income Tax0%4%
Avg. Property Tax1.18%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%6%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismGovernment, Education, Public Policy
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowMedium
HomelessnessModerateHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 15% more than in Alaska
  • The COLI in DC is 6% higher than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to DC, you'll now have a state income tax of 4%
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is medium in DC compared to low in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alaska and high in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. DC

ComparisonAlaskaDC
Political Make-upLean conservativeStrongly liberal
Local PoliticsFocus on resource management and individual rightsEmphasis on civil liberties and social issues
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant number of people with no religious affiliationChristian majority, but more diverse religious representation
  • Alaska tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as a Christian majority but with more diverse religious representation
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a significant number of people having no religious affiliation

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to DC

ComparisonAlaskaDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska Pacific University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Chugach Optional Elementary School (Anchorage)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary (Washington)
Eaton Elementary School (Washington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRommig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mears Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (Washington)
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Dimond High School (Anchorage)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
McKinley Technology High School (Washington)
Top 3 private high schoolsLumen Christi High School (Anchorage)
Grace Christian School (Anchorage)
Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage)
Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda)
The Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Waldorf School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
District of Columbia Public Schools
Capitol Hill Cluster School
Washington Latin Public Charter School

Top Alaska to DC Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Alaska to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10