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Alaska to Utah Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 2,434 mile interstate move from Alaska to Utah? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Utah across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs mild, sunny climate), food & health (like King Crab vs Fry Sauce), real estate & housing (log cabins, modern vs craftsman, ranch), 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 Fry Sauce & Utah Scone with Honey Butter
  • Utah housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Utah is 3.32% more affordable than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Utah movers is 801 Moving Company

Alaska to Utah Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Utah

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Limited daylight in winter
  • Remote location
  • Higher cost of living
ProsUtah iconUtah
  • Mild, sunny climate
  • Abundant sunshine year-round
  • Easy access to amenities
  • More affordable living

Utah iconUtah
  • Less greenery in cities
  • Limited wildlife variety
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer wilderness options
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning natural beauty
  • Unique wildlife
  • Rich indigenous culture
  • Adventure opportunities

Pros of moving from Alaska to Utah

  • Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to a mild, sunny climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited daylight in winter and moving to Utah with abundant sunshine year-round
  • Swap the remote location of Alaska for easy access to amenities in Utah
  • Get ready for more affordable living in Utah

Cons of moving from Alaska to Utah

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning natural beauty in Alaska to live with less greenery in cities in Utah
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle for the con of limited wildlife variety
  • Time to bid farewell to rich indigenous culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Utah
  • Swap adventure opportunities for fewer wilderness options

Alaska vs. Utah: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaUtah
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabFry Sauce
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageUtah Scone with Honey Butter
Most popular street food itemHalibut TacosNavajo Taco
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladVegan Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Alaska Fish House
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Snow City Cafe
  • Red Iguana
  • Bambara
  • Log Haven
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 Utah, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Fry Sauce of Utah. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Halibut Tacos, Utah residents know they have tasty Utah Scone with Honey Butter and Navajo Taco 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 Vegan Burger of Utah. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like The Alaska Fish House, Simon & Seafort's, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Utah, don't wait too long before making your way to Utah's acclaimed eateries like Red Iguana, Bambara, and Log Haven.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Utah

ComparisonAlaskaUtah
Typical Architecture StyleLog Cabins, ModernCraftsman, Ranch
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 listingScenic Views, PrivacyClose to Outdoor Recreation, Modern Amenities
  • The Log Cabins and Modern architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Utah.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, Utah's real estate listings often highlight features like being close to outdoor recreation and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Utah is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Utah is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Utah has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Utah housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $519,182 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Utah have increased by 121% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Utah is 3.32% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaUtah
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, VolcanoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVaries; Moderate in Urban Areas
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 44Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F / -10Β°F37Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2220
Annual Snowfall (Inches)7556
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Utah. Utah gets 60% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Utah has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in Utah.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Utah is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Utah. Utah receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Utah

ComparisonAlaskaUtah
Avg. Household Income$88,121$89,168
Cost of Living Index132.695.75
State Income Tax0%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax1.13%0.58%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%7.19%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Tourism, FishingFinance, Tech, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyManageableLow
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Utah tend to earn about 1% more than those in Alaska
  • The COLI in Utah will be 28% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to UT, you will now have a state income tax of 4.95%
  • The affluence in Utah is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is low in Utah compared to manageable poverty in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Alaska and minimal in Utah

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Utah

ComparisonAlaskaUtah
Political Make-upModerately IndependentHeavily Republican
Local PoliticsMunicipal DiversityConservative Dominance
ReligionDiverseLDS Church Predominant
  • Alaska tends to lean moderately Independent in its political climate
  • Utah, on the other hand, is often described as heavily Republican
  • Utah's religious environment can be described as LDS Church Predominant
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Utah

ComparisonAlaskaUtah
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Utah
Utah State University
Brigham Young University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Rogers Park Elementary - Anchorage
Edgemont Elementary School - Provo
Canyon View Elementary School - Cedar City
North Star Academy - Bluffdale
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRomig Middle School - Anchorage
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Centennial Middle School - Provo
South Jordan Middle School - South Jordan
Fairfield Junior High School - Kaysville
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Dimond High School - Anchorage
Corner Canyon High School - Draper
Timpview High School - Provo
Skyridge High School - Lehi
Top 3 private high schoolsHoly Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Monroe Catholic High School - Fairbanks
Rowland Hall - Salt Lake City
Waterford School - Sandy
Juan Diego Catholic High School - Draper
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchor Lutheran School - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
The Madeleine Choir School - Salt Lake City
Layton Christian Academy - Layton
American Heritage School - American Fork
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Davis School District
Alpine School District
Jordan School District

Top Alaska to Utah Movers

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

TOP PICK
801 Moving Company featured image

801 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Utah

9.42/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Best of Utah Moving Company featured image

Best of Utah Moving Company

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

The Moving Man

7.79/10