Movers

Alaska to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 2,518 mile interstate move from Alaska to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like King Crab vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (cabin, modern vs craftsman, victorian), 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 Hotdish & Tater Tot Casserole
  • Minnesota housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Minnesota is 4.34% more affordable than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

Alaska to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Minnesota

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Remote locations
  • Limited road access
  • Frequent natural disasters
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable cost of living
  • Proximity to major cities
  • Extensive road networks
  • Fewer natural disasters

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Landscapes less dramatic
  • Fewer wildlife encounters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Denser population
  • Fewer winter activities
Alaska iconAlaska
  • 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

ComparisonAlaskaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabHotdish
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageTater Tot Casserole
Most popular street food itemFish TacosJuicy Lucy
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladWild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Moose's Tooth
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Snow City Cafe
  • Matty's Heart & Soul
  • The Bachelor Farmer
  • Spoon and Stable
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 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

ComparisonAlaskaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleCabin, ModernCraftsman, 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 listingViews, PrivacyLakeside, Proximity to Parks
  • 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

ComparisonAlaskaMinnesota
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 DisastersAvalanches, earthquakesTornadoes, blizzards
Air QualityGoodGenerally good, urban areas may vary
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60-75Β°F / 40-55Β°F79-85Β°F / 58-64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)0-30Β°F / -20-20Β°F18-33Β°F / 0-15Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"28-34"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"45-70"
  • 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

ComparisonAlaskaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$88,121$82,338
Cost of Living Index132.698.75
State Income Tax0%5.35% - 9.85%
Avg. Property Tax1.19%1.08%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6.875% + local taxes
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismAgriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessIncreasingStable
  • 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

ComparisonAlaskaMinnesota
Political Make-upMixed, with a conservative trend in general electionsLiberal, especially in urban areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul
Local PoliticsResource-driven, focus on oil and gas industriesProgressive policies, strong emphasis on healthcare and education
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesPrimarily Christian, with significant Catholic and Lutheran populations
  • Alaska tends to lean mixed, with a conservative trend in general elections in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal, especially in urban areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with significant Catholic and Lutheran populations
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Minnesota

ComparisonAlaskaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minnesota State University Mankato
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC School - Anchorage
Trailside Elementary School - Anchorage
Deephaven Elementary - Minnetonka
Greenwood Elementary - Plymouth
Edgewood School - Mounds View
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRomig Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Wayzata Central Middle School - Plymouth
Minnetonka Middle School East - Minnetonka
Eden Prairie Central Middle School - Eden Prairie
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Dimond High School - Anchorage
Edina High School - Edina
Minnetonka High School - Minnetonka
Wayzata High School - Plymouth
Top 3 private high schoolsHoly Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Breck School - Golden Valley
The Blake School - Minneapolis
Saint Thomas Academy - Mendota Heights
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchor Lutheran School - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
Breck School - Golden Valley
The Blake School - Minneapolis
Mounds Park Academy - Saint Paul
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Minnetonka Public School District
Edina Public School District
Wayzata Public School District

Top Alaska to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Minnesota

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10