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Alaska to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 3,655 mile interstate move from Alaska to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long winters vs mild climate), food & health (like King Crab vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (log cabins, modern vs colonial, charleston style), 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 Shrimp and Grits & Pulled Pork BBQ
  • South Carolina housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in South Carolina is 5.13% more affordable than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to South Carolina movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Alaska to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to South Carolina

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Long winters
  • High cost of living
  • Remote location
  • Limited daylight
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Mild climate
  • Affordable housing
  • Access to amenities
  • Ample sunshine

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Humidity levels
  • Hurricane risk
  • More traffic
  • Distance from family
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Natural beauty
  • Unique wildlife
  • Adventure opportunities
  • Fresh seafood

Pros of moving from Alaska to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to long winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a high cost of living and moving to South Carolina with affordable housing
  • Swap the remote location of Alaska for access to amenities in South Carolina
  • Get ready for ample sunshine in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Alaska to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Alaska to live with humidity levels in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle with the con of hurricane risk
  • Time to bid farewell to adventure opportunities and get used to more traffic in South Carolina
  • Swap fresh seafood for distance from family

Alaska vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaSouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausagePulled Pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemHalibut TacosFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
    • 49th State Brewing Co
    • The Hangar on the Wharf
    • Home Team BBQ
    • Magnolia's
    • Xiao Bao Biscuit
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 South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Fried Green Tomatoes 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 South Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's Saloon and Grill, 49th State Brewing Co, and The Hangar on the Wharf. After the boxes are unpacked in South Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to South Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Home Team BBQ, Magnolia's, and Xiao Bao Biscuit.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and South Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaSouth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleLog cabins, modernColonial, Charleston style
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 views, private lotsHistorical features, proximity to beaches
  • The Log cabins and modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston style architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views and private lots, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historical elements and proximity to beaches.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Carolina is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Carolina is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • South Carolina has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 96% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 5.13% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaSouth 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, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 40Β°F90Β°F / 70Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F / -10Β°F60Β°F / 40Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2249
Annual Snowfall (Inches)741
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 40% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • South 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 floods in South Carolina.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 30 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 South Carolina. South Carolina receives 27 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and South Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaSouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$88,121$64,115
Cost of Living Index132.696.85
State Income Tax0%0-7%
Avg. Property Tax1.19%0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%7.44%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Tourism, FisheriesManufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Education
AffluenceModerateAverage
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 27% less than in Alaska
  • The COLI in South Carolina will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to SC, you'll now have a state income tax of 0-7%
  • The affluence in South Carolina is average compared to moderate in Alaska
  • The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to lower in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alaska and lower in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. South Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaSouth Carolina
Political Make-upMixed, leans RepublicanStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsVaries by regionConservative dominance
ReligionMixed, less religious overallStrongly Evangelical Protestant
  • Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as strongly Evangelical Protestant
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed and less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to South Carolina

ComparisonAlaskaSouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Pearl Creek Elementary - Fairbanks
Buist Academy - Charleston
Mt. Pleasant Academy - Mount Pleasant
Charleston Development Academy - Charleston
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRomig Middle School - Anchorage
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Randy Smith Middle School - Fairbanks
Montessori School of Anderson - Anderson
Greer Middle College Charter High - Greer
Langston Charter Middle School - Greenville
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Service High School - Anchorage
Academic Magnet High School - North Charleston
Charleston School of the Arts - North Charleston
SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics - Hartsville
Top 3 private high schoolsGrace Christian School - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Porter-Gaud School - Charleston
Hammond School - Columbia
Christ Church Episcopal School - Greenville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchor Lutheran School - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
Hilton Head Preparatory School - Hilton Head Island
Pinewood Preparatory School - Summerville
Spartanburg Day School - Spartanburg
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Greenville County Schools
Charleston County School District
Lexington-Richland School District Five

Top Alaska to South Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Best moving company overall for Alaska to South Carolina

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10
Top Alaska to South Carolina Routes

Anchorage to South Carolina