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Arizona to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 2,748 mile interstate move from Arizona to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like intense summer heat vs cooler summer temperatures), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Salmon), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, pueblo revival vs log cabin, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & King Crab
  • Alaska housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in Alaska is 8.97% more affordable than in Arizona
  • Our top recommended Arizona to Alaska movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Arizona to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Alaska

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Intense summer heat
  • Water scarcity
  • Limited wildlife
  • Dry desert landscapes
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Cooler summer temperatures
  • Abundant natural water
  • Diverse wildlife
  • Stunning wilderness
  • Slower pace of life

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Dark winters
  • Limited shopping options
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fewer entertainment venues
  • Rural isolation
Arizona iconArizona
  • Sunshine year-round
  • Plentiful amenities
  • Robust housing market
  • Cultural attractions
  • Urban conveniences

Pros of moving from Arizona to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to intense summer heat and hello to cooler summer temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from water scarcity and moving to Alaska with abundant natural water
  • Swap the limited wildlife of Arizona for diverse wildlife in Alaska
  • Get ready for stunning wilderness in Alaska

Cons of moving from Arizona to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunshine year-round in Arizona to live with dark winters in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of plentiful amenities and have to settle for the con of limited shopping options
  • Time to bid farewell to a robust housing market and get used to a higher cost of living in Alaska
  • Swap cultural attractions for fewer entertainment venues

Arizona vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaAlaska
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaSalmon
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaKing Crab
Most popular street food itemTacosReindeer Sausage
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • Barrio CafΓ©
  • Elote Cafe
  • Tracy's King Crab Shack
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Moose's Tooth Pub
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Arizona to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Alaska residents know they have tasty King Crab and Reindeer Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seaweed Salad of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, Barrio CafΓ©, and Elote Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like Tracy's King Crab Shack, The Crow's Nest, and Moose's Tooth Pub.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Alaska

ComparisonArizonaAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, Pueblo RevivalLog Cabin, Craftsman
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 listingSolar Panels, Swimming PoolsFireplaces, Spacious Yards
  • The Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Log Cabin and Craftsman architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference solar panels and swimming pools, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like fireplaces and spacious yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than Arizona.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • Alaska housing costs are 18% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 8.97% more affordable than in Arizona.

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

ComparisonArizonaAlaska
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 DisastersHeatwaves, DroughtsEarthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)104Β°F/78Β°F60Β°F/40Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)68Β°F/45Β°F20Β°F/-10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1322
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.375
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Alaska. Alaska gets 47% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and droughts in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Alaska.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Alaska is 44 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows in Alaska are 55 degrees colder than those in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alaska. Alaska receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Alaska

ComparisonArizonaAlaska
Avg. Household Income$74,568$88,121
Cost of Living Index101.2132.6
State Income Tax2.59 - 4.50No state income tax
Avg. Property Tax0.621.19
Avg. Sales Tax8.40N/A
Top 3 IndustriesReal Estate, Healthcare, RetailOil & Gas, Fishing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 18% more than in Arizona
  • The cost of living index in Alaska will be 31% higher than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in AK is no state income tax compared to 2.59% to 4.50% in AZ
  • The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
  • The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Arizona and low in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Alaska

ComparisonArizonaAlaska
Political Make-upPurple, leaning slightly redLeans red, independent streak
Local PoliticsMix of liberal cities and conservative rural areasMunicipalities with varying degrees of conservatism; strong libertarian presence
ReligionChristianity predominant, significant Catholic and Evangelical communitiesChristianity predominant, diverse with a noticeable Orthodox Christian community
  • Arizona tends to lean purple, leaning slightly red in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as leaning red with an independent streak
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, diverse with a noticeable Orthodox Christian community
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with significant Catholic and Evangelical communities

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Alaska

ComparisonArizonaAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsKnox Gifted Academy - Chandler
BASIS Chandler - Chandler
Archway Classical Academy - Scottsdale
Aurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Aquarian Charter School - Anchorage
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBASIS Scottsdale - Scottsdale
BASIS Ahwatukee - Phoenix
BASIS Chandler - Chandler
Romig Middle School - Anchorage
Goldenview Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Top 3 High School SchoolsBASIS Chandler - Chandler
BASIS Peoria - Peoria
BASIS Oro Valley - Oro Valley
West High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Eagle River High School - Eagle River
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory - Phoenix
Xavier College Preparatory - Phoenix
The Gregory School - Tucson
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPhoenix Country Day School - Paradise Valley
The Gregory School - Tucson
Rancho Solano Preparatory School - Scottsdale
Pacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Top Arizona to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Alaska

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details

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Peoria to Alaska