Alaska to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Idaho

ConsAlaska

• Long, dark winters
• High cost of living
• Remote location
• Limited road access
• Wildlife hazards

ProsIdaho

• Mild, sunny weather
• More affordable living
• Access to more cities
• Comprehensive road network
• Fewer wildlife concerns

---

Idaho

• Fewer vast landscapes
• Less wildlife variety
• Less historical heritage
• Limited seafood options
• Fewer extreme sports

Alaska

• Stunning scenery
• Unique wildlife
• Rich cultural history
• Abundant seafood
• Adventure activities

Pros of moving from Alaska to Idaho

• Say goodbye to long, dark winters and hello to mild, sunny weather
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Idaho with more affordable living
• Swap the remote location of Alaska for access to more cities in Idaho
• Get ready for a comprehensive road network in Idaho

Cons of moving from Alaska to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the stunning scenery in Alaska to live with fewer vast landscapes in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle for the con of less wildlife variety
• Time to bid farewell to rich cultural history and get used to less historical heritage in Idaho
• Swap abundant seafood for limited seafood options

Alaska vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Alaska for the equally delicious Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous King Crab Legs, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho Trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Alaskan Berries they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Idaho Potato Bowl of Idaho. 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 Glacier Brewhouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like State & Lemp, The Tower Grill, and Chandler's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Idaho

• The Cabin-style and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious land and mountain views, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and access to outdoor activities
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Idaho is more walkable than Alaska
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Idaho is more bike-friendly than Alaska
• Idaho has more of an urban feel than Alaska
• Idaho housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Alaska with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Alaska’s $354,563
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 148% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska
• Rent in Idaho is 7.27% more affordable than in Alaska

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Idaho. Idaho gets 33% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Idaho 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 floods and wildfires in Idaho.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 17% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in Idaho will be 31% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to ID, you'll now have a state income tax of 6.925%
• The affluence in Idaho is growing compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
• The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to higher poverty levels in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Alaska and less noticeable in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Idaho

• Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans conservative in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as heavily Christian with a high Mormon presence
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with Christianity as the majority

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Idaho