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Alaska to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 3,355 mile interstate move from Alaska to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs milder seasons), food & health (like King Crab vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (log homes, cabins vs colonial, 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 Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh Ham BBQ
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 14.82% more affordable than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Alaska to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Remote location
  • Limited job market
  • Higher cost of goods
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder seasons
  • Close to major cities
  • More employment opportunities
  • Affordability

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • No Denali views
  • Fewer wildlife experiences
  • Fewer wilderness areas
  • Higher population density
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning natural beauty
  • Unique wildlife
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Low population density

Pros of moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to milder seasons
  • Look forward to moving away from a remote location and moving to Pennsylvania with close proximity to major cities
  • Swap the limited job market of Alaska for more employment opportunities in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for affordability in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the stunning natural beauty in Alaska to live with no Denali views in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle with the con of fewer wildlife experiences
  • Time to bid farewell to abundant outdoor activities and get used to fewer wilderness areas in Pennsylvania
  • Swap low population density for a higher population density

Alaska vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausagePittsburgh Ham BBQ
Most popular street food itemHalibut TacosSoft Pretzels
Most popular vegan foodWild Berry CobblerMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Saltry
  • Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen & Wine Bar
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Zahav
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh Ham BBQ and Soft Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berry Cobbler they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Saltry, and Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen and Wine Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Geno's Steaks, and Zahav.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Pennsylvania

ComparisonAlaskaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleLog Homes, CabinsColonial, 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 listingNatural Scenery, PrivacyHistorical Sites, Proximity to Cities
  • The Log Homes and Cabins architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and privacy, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historical sites and proximity to cities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 66% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 14.82% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaPennsylvania
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, WildfiresFloods, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 44Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F / -10Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"38"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 37% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in Pennsylvania.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Pennsylvania

ComparisonAlaskaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$88,121$71,798
Cost of Living Index132.699.7
State Income Tax0%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax1.18%1.50%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Fishing, TourismManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHigherSlightly Lower
HomelessnessNoticeableLess Noticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 19% less than those in Alaska
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to PA, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.07%
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is slightly lower in Pennsylvania compared to higher poverty in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Alaska and less noticeable in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonAlaskaPennsylvania
Political Make-upLean RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsLibertarian tendenciesStrong union influence
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHighly diverse religious landscape
  • Alaska tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as a highly diverse religious landscape
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania

ComparisonAlaskaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Pearl Creek Elementary - Fairbanks
Marie Murphy School - Wilmette
Waldron Mercy Academy - Merion Station
Whitemarsh Elementary - Conshohocken
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRoma Middle School - Roma
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Floyd Dryden Middle School - Juneau
Radnor Middle School - Wayne
Haverford Middle School - Havertown
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School - Philadelphia
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Chugiak High School - Chugiak
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School - Philadelphia
Conestoga Senior High School - Berwyn
Central High School - Philadelphia
Top 3 private high schoolsLumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
The Haverford School - Haverford
Germantown Friends School - Philadelphia
Friends' Central School - Wynnewood
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School - Anchorage
The Baldwin School - Bryn Mawr
The Hill School - Pottstown
Friends' Central School - Wynnewood
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Lower Merion School District
Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District

Top Alaska to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10