Movers

Alaska to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 3,609 mile interstate move from Alaska to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme cold vs milder winters), food & health (like King Crab vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (cabin and log homes vs colonial and craftsman), 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 Pulled Pork BBQ & Pulled Pork Sandwich
  • North Carolina housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in North Carolina is 0.56% more affordable than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC

Alaska to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to North Carolina

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Extreme cold
  • Isolation
  • Limited daylight
  • High cost of living
  • High wildlife risks
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Milder winters
  • Closer amenities
  • Balanced daylight
  • More affordable living
  • Less wildlife intrusion

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Fewer mountain views
  • Less diverse wildlife
  • Higher population density
  • More generic culture
  • No northern lights
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Low population density
  • Unique culture
  • Northern lights

Pros of moving from Alaska to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to extreme cold and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from isolation and moving to North Carolina with closer amenities
  • Swap the limited daylight of Alaska for balanced daylight in North Carolina
  • Get ready for more affordable living in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Alaska to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning landscapes in Alaska to live with fewer mountain views in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of abundant wildlife and have to settle for the con of less diverse wildlife
  • Time to bid farewell to low population density and get used to higher population density in North Carolina
  • Swap unique culture for more generic culture

Alaska vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausagePulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular street food itemHalibut TacosCarolina Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Moose's Tooth
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Tracy's King Crab Shack
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Chef & the Farmer
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 North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork Sandwich and Carolina Hot Dog 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 Collard Greens of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like The Moose's Tooth, The Crow's Nest, and Tracy's King Crab Shack. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Chef & the Farmer.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and North Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleCabin and Log homesColonial and Craftsman
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 listingNatural ViewsProximity to Amenities
  • The Cabin and Log homes architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Carolina is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 106% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 0.56% more affordable than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and North Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaNorth Carolina
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 EruptionsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60-80Β°F / 40-55Β°F85-90Β°F / 65-70Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)0-30Β°F / -20--10Β°F50-60Β°F / 30-40Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22-16040-55
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60-1954-12
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 42% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • North Carolina 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 hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 50 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 18 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and North Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$88,121$67,481
Cost of Living Index132.695.85
State Income Tax0%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax1.19%0.84%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%6.98%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismFinance, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateVariable
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 23% less than those in Alaska
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 28% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to NC, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.25%
  • The affluence in North Carolina is variable compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to low in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and moderate in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. North Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaNorth Carolina
Political Make-upLeans conservative, diverse representationModerate to conservative, battleground state
Local PoliticsCommunity-focused, individual participationCommunity and state-driven, active local engagement
ReligionVaried with a significant non-religious populationChristian-majority, strong evangelical presence
  • Alaska tends to lean conservative with diverse representation in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as moderate to conservative and a battleground state
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a strong evangelical presence
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied with a significant non-religious population

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to North Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC School - Anchorage
Pearl Creek Elementary - Fairbanks
Endhaven Elementary - Charlotte
Morrisville Elementary - Morrisville
Eastover Elementary - Charlotte
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRomig Middle School - Anchorage
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Smith Middle - Chapel Hill
Jay M. Robinson Middle - Charlotte
Ligon Middle - Raleigh
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Dimond High School - Anchorage
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics - Durham
Raleigh Charter High School - Raleigh
Charlotte Latin School - Charlotte
Top 3 private high schoolsGrace Christian School - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Anchorage Christian Schools - Anchorage
Phillips Academy - Charlotte
Durham Academy - Durham
Cary Academy - Cary
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill - Durham
Charlotte Country Day School - Charlotte
Greensboro Day School - Greensboro
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Top Alaska to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for Alaska to North Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10