Alaska to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Minnesota

ConsAlaska

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Remote locations
• Limited road access
• Frequent natural disasters

ProsMinnesota

• Milder winters
• More affordable cost of living
• Proximity to major cities
• Extensive road networks
• Fewer natural disasters

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Minnesota

• Landscapes less dramatic
• Fewer wildlife encounters
• Less cultural diversity
• Denser population
• Fewer winter activities

Alaska

• Stunning landscapes
• Rich wildlife
• Unique culture
• Less crowded
• Seasonal activities

Pros of moving from Alaska to Minnesota

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Minnesota with a more affordable cost of living
• Swap the remote locations of Alaska for proximity to major cities in Minnesota
• Get ready for extensive road networks in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Alaska to Minnesota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning landscapes in Alaska to live with landscapes that are less dramatic in Minnesota
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich wildlife and have to settle for the con of fewer wildlife encounters
• Time to bid farewell to unique culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Minnesota
• Swap less crowded for a denser population

Alaska vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Tater Tot Casserole and Juicy Lucy 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 Wild Rice Soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like The Moose's Tooth, Simon & Seafort's, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matty's Heart & Soul, The Bachelor Farmer, and Spoon and Stable.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Minnesota

• The Cabin and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Victorian architecture typical of Minnesota.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference views and privacy, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside living and proximity to parks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Minnesota housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 72% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Minnesota is 4.34% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 32% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Minnesota has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible avalanches and earthquakes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Minnesota.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 19 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 20 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Minnesota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 7% less than those in Alaska
• The COLI in Minnesota will be 26% lower than what you are used to in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to MN, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.35% - 9.85%
• The affluence in Minnesota is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
• The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to low in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is increasing in Alaska and stable in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Minnesota

• Alaska tends to lean Republican in its political climate, with an independent streak. It uses ranked-choice voting and a nonpartisan top-four primary. State control can shift, with coalition dynamics and moderates often being pivotal.
• Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic in federal races and has a long record of voting Democratic for president, though statewide contests can be competitive. It is recently under Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) control at the state level.
• Minnesota's religious environment can be described as having a Christian majority with strong Lutheran and Catholic traditions. There is a growing religiously unaffiliated population and diverse faith communities, especially in the Twin Cities.
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian plurality, notably evangelical and Protestant, with a relatively large religiously unaffiliated share. There is also a smaller Orthodox Christian presence and other faith communities.

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Minnesota