AK to WI Moving Specialists

Alaska to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 2,858 mile interstate move from Alaska to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like King Crab vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (cabin-style, contemporary vs colonial, 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 Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 28.23% more affordable than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Top Alaska to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Wisconsin

9.58/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.44/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.78/10
Good

Alaska to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Wisconsin

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Harsh winters
  • Remote locations
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited amenities
  • Isolation
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Milder winters
  • More connected cities
  • More affordable living
  • Abundant amenities
  • More social opportunities

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Less wilderness
  • Fewer wildlife sightings
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • More crowded areas
  • Overcrowding in cities
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Natural beauty
  • Unique wildlife
  • Adventure opportunities
  • Wide open spaces
  • Sense of isolation

Pros of moving from Alaska to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from remote locations and moving to Wisconsin with more connected cities
  • Swap the higher cost of living in Alaska for more affordable living in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for abundant amenities in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Alaska to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Alaska to live with less wilderness in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle for the con of fewer wildlife sightings
  • Time to bid farewell to adventure opportunities and get used to fewer outdoor activities in Wisconsin
  • Swap wide open spaces for more crowded areas

Alaska vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageBratwurst
Most popular street food itemAkutaq (Eskimo Ice Cream)Fried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodWild BerriesVegan Cheese
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Salmon Hookup
  • Snow City Cafe
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Akutaq (Eskimo Ice Cream), Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berries they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cheese of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Salmon Hookup, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mickies Dairy Bar, and Graze.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Wisconsin

ComparisonAlaskaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleCabin-style, ContemporaryColonial, 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 listingNatural views, Spacious landFamily-friendly neighborhoods, Access to lakes
  • The Cabin-style and Contemporary architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views and spacious land, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and access to lakes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 85% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 28.23% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

ComparisonAlaskaWisconsin
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, WildfiresTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 44Β°F82Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F / -10Β°F29Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2234
Annual Snowfall (Inches)7548
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 25% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Wisconsin 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 tornadoes and floods in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 22 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 23 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Wisconsin

ComparisonAlaskaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$88,121$70,996
Cost of Living Index132.695.65
State Income Tax0%4%-7.65%
Avg. Property Tax1.19%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%5.46%
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Fishing, TourismManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateStable
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNotableManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 19% less than in Alaska
  • The COLI in Wisconsin will be 28% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to WI, you'll now have a state income tax of 4%-7.65%
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is stable compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low poverty in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Alaska and manageable in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonAlaskaWisconsin
Political Make-upMixed, leaning conservativeSwing state with fluctuating political leaning
Local PoliticsIndependent-minded with a focus on individual rights and resource managementCommunity-oriented with strong traditions in local governance and progressive movements
ReligionProtestant, Catholic, but with a significant number of unaffiliatedPrimarily Protestant and Catholic, with diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Alaska tends to lean mixed, leaning conservative in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with fluctuating political leaning
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant and Catholic, with diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant, Catholic, but with a significant number of unaffiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Wisconsin

ComparisonAlaskaWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC - Anchorage
Machetanz Elementary - Wasilla
Randall Consolidated School - Burlington
Elm Lawn Elementary - Middleton
Lakeview Elementary - Neenah
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMears Middle School - Anchorage
Romig Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Longfellow Middle School - Wauwatosa
Lake Shore Middle School - Mequon
Pilgrim Park Middle School - Elm Grove
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Eagle River High School - Eagle River
Brookfield East High School - Brookfield
Cedarburg High School - Cedarburg
Whitefish Bay High School - Whitefish Bay
Top 3 private high schoolsAnchorage Christian Schools - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
University School of Milwaukee - Milwaukee
Marquette University High School - Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy - Brookfield
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
University School of Milwaukee - Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy - Brookfield
The Prairie School - Racine
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Madison Metropolitan School District
Elmbrook School District
Mequon-Thiensville School District