Alaska to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Oregon

ConsAlaska

• Harsh winters
• Isolation
• High cost of living
• Limited dining options
• Long travel distances

ProsOregon

• Mild climate
• Close to urban centers
• More affordable
• Diverse cuisine
• Shorter commutes

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Oregon

• Less expansive nature
• No aurora visibility
• More transient society
• Fewer authentic experiences
• Some areas with crime

Alaska

• Stunning wilderness
• Northern lights
• Strong community feel
• Rich local culture
• Low crime rate

Pros of moving from Alaska to Oregon

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from isolation and moving to Oregon with close access to urban centers
• Swap the high cost of living of Alaska for something more affordable in Oregon
• Get ready for diverse cuisine in Oregon

Cons of moving from Alaska to Oregon

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning wilderness in Alaska to live with less expansive nature in Oregon
• You'll lose out on the pro of northern lights and have to settle for the con of no aurora visibility
• Time to bid farewell to a strong community feel and get used to a more transient society in Oregon
• Swap rich local culture for fewer authentic experiences

Alaska vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Alaska for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Oregon residents know they have tasty Pacific Northwest Salmon and Food Truck Fusion Dishes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Alaskan Blueberries they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon's Seaside Eatery, The Alaska Roadhouse, and Northern Lights Bistro. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Salt and Straw, and Le Pigeon.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Oregon

• The Cabin/log homes architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and bungalow architecture typical of Oregon.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and privacy, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and local coffee shops.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Oregon is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Oregon is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Oregon has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Oregon housing costs are 40% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 95% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Oregon is 1.35% more expensive than in Alaska.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Oregon. Oregon gets 14% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Oregon has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and avalanches in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential floods and wildfires in Oregon.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 21 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 43 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Oregon

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 14% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in Oregon will be 17% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to OR, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.75% to 9.9%
• The affluence in Oregon is moderate to high compared to moderate in Alaska
• The poverty level is slightly above average in Oregon compared to average in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is below average in Alaska and above average in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Oregon

• Alaska tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as lean liberal
• Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religious and featuring diverse faith communities
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse and including a Christian majority, with other faiths present

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Oregon