Alaska to Montana Moving Guide

Alaska vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Montana, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Burger and Pasties to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kelp Salsa they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like The Crab Shack, Moose's Tooth Pub, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Cafe Dulce, The Burger Dive, and Bozeman Soup Company.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Montana

• The Cabin/Lodge architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Ranch/Craftsman architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large lots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than Alaska.
• Montana is similarly bike-friendly to Alaska.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Montana housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 113% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Montana is 19.10% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Montana. Montana gets 37% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Montana 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 wildfires and floods in Montana.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 25 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 23% less than those in Alaska
• The COLI in Montana will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to MT, you'll now have a state income tax of 1-6.9%
• The affluence in Montana is modest compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
• The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to moderate poverty in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Montana

• Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as conservative and leans Republican
• Montana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant unaffiliated population
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant but with a diverse religious presence

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Montana