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Alaska to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 3,461 mile interstate move from Alaska to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like King Crab Legs vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (log cabins, modern vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to King Crab Legs and Reindeer Sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Baked Beans and Cod
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 45.75% more expensive than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Alaska to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Massachusetts

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Isolation from the mainland
  • Limited road access
  • Higher cost of shipping
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Milder climate
  • Proximity to major cities
  • Extensive road networks
  • More shipping options

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • More urban environment
  • Fewer wildlife experiences
  • Higher population density
  • Less cultural diversity
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning natural landscapes
  • Unique wildlife
  • Low population density
  • Rich Indigenous culture

Pros of moving from Alaska to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from isolation from the mainland and moving to Massachusetts with proximity to major cities
  • Swap the limited road access of Alaska for extensive road networks in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for more shipping options in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Alaska to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning natural landscapes in Alaska to live in a more urban environment in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle for the con of fewer wildlife experiences
  • Time to bid farewell to low population density and get used to a higher population density in Massachusetts
  • Swap the rich Indigenous culture for less cultural diversity

Alaska vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemKing Crab LegsClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageBaked Beans and Cod
Most popular street food itemHalibut TacosLobster Rolls
Most popular vegan foodWild Berry CobblerRoasted Root Vegetables
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
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 Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic King Crab Legs of Alaska for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Baked Beans, Cod, and Lobster Rolls 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 Roasted Root Vegetables of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's Saloon and Grill, The Crow's Nest, and Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Massachusetts

ComparisonAlaskaMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleLog Cabins, ModernColonial, 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, PrivacyAccess to Public Transportation, Historic Details
  • The Log Cabins and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transportation and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Massachusetts is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 82% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 45.75% more expensive than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaMassachusetts
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, Volcanic EruptionsBlizzards, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 44Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F / -10Β°F35Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"47"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"43"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 33% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Massachusetts 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 blizzards and hurricanes in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 22 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 32 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 25 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Massachusetts

ComparisonAlaskaMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$88,121$94,488
Cost of Living Index132.6121.55
State Income Tax0%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.18%1.21%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismEducation, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 7% more than those in Alaska
  • The COLI in Massachusetts will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to MA, you'll now have a state income tax of 5%
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate poverty in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonAlaskaMassachusetts
Political Make-upMixed, leans RepublicanStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsIndependent-minded, with a significant focus on resource managementProgressive policies, emphasis on education and healthcare
ReligionLargely Christian, with a notable presence of indigenous spiritual practicesPredominantly Christian, diverse religious communities
  • Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian and diverse religious communities
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian with a notable presence of indigenous spiritual practices

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Massachusetts

ComparisonAlaskaMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska Pacific University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Boston University
Harvard University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Pearl Creek Elementary (Fairbanks)
Newton
Lexington
Wellesley Elementary Schools (Various cities)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMears Middle School (Anchorage)
Romig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)
Williams Middle School (Longmeadow)
Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Wellesley Middle School (Wellesley)
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School (Anchorage)
Service High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Boston Latin School (Boston)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Brookline High School (Brookline)
Top 3 private high schoolsGrace Christian School (Anchorage)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Lumen Christi High School (Anchorage)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Anchor Lutheran School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
Dexter Southfield (Brookline)
The Winsor School (Boston)
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Lexington School District
Newton Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools

Top Alaska to Massachusetts Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10