Best San Diego to Anchorage Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from San Diego to Anchorage and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,526 mile move from California to Alaska go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 17 San Diego to Anchorage moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Anchorage. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best San Diego to Anchorage Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best San Diego to Anchorage Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1The Rock Movers9.509.53Authorized For HHG
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.489.62Authorized For HHG
3Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHG
4The Moving Man7.798.91Authorized For HHG
5Air Van Moving6.766.98Authorized For Property
Phone (800) 787-5428
California iconArrow iconAlaska icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Anchorage to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Anchorage Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,100+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.48/10
based on 421+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 1,818+ data points

13026 Stowe Dr A

Poway, CA, 92064

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
3
The Moving Man Logo

The Moving Man

Good7.79/10
based on 215+ data points

550 W 54th Ave

Anchorage, AK, 99518

About The Moving Man

The Moving Man is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Anchorage, Alaska since 1992. Their service area includes...

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • Local Commercial Moving
  • Out-of-State Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

807379 / 359080

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved55,000 (2018)
View Full Review
4
Air Van Moving Logo

Air Van Moving

6.76/10
based on 37+ data points

209 Post Rd

Anchorage, AK, 99501

About Air Van Moving

Air Van Moving is a professional moving company that is based in Alaska and the Northwest. Whether it is across town,...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving
  • Long-Distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

125012 / 118474

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Diego vs. Anchorage Neighborhood Comparison

This comparison helps you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline. We'll compare neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Anchorage, AK to find the most similar areas.

San DiegoAnchorageHow They're Similar
La JollaHillside – Coastal beauty and art sceneHillside – Coastal beauty and art scene
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown – Vibrant nightlife and diningDowntown – Vibrant nightlife and dining
North ParkMidtown – Hipster atmosphere and trendy eateriesMidtown – Hipster atmosphere and trendy eateries
Pacific BeachJewel Lake – Young, active beach vibeJewel Lake – Young, active beach vibe
CoronadoTurnagain – Scenic views and parksTurnagain – Scenic views and parks
HillcrestFairview – LGBTQ+ friendly and diverse communityFairview – LGBTQ+ friendly and diverse community
Mission ValleySpenard – Shopping and business hubSpenard – Shopping and business hub
Little ItalyMountain View – Cultural diversity and diningMountain View – Cultural diversity and dining
Ocean BeachGovernment Hill – Relaxed, bohemian lifestyleGovernment Hill – Relaxed, bohemian lifestyle
Del MarSouth Addition – Upscale living and historical charmSouth Addition – Upscale living and historical charm

If you enjoy the eclectic charm of North Park with its unique cafes and breweries, you'll find a similar vibe in Midtown Anchorage, home to trendy eateries like Bear Tooth Theatrepub and locally loved Kaladi Brothers Coffee. For those fond of the scenic serenity of Coronado, Turnagain offers stunning views over Cook Inlet and access to popular attractions like Kincaid Park. Del Mar's upscale allure with its historic racetrack finds its counterpart in the South Addition of Anchorage, where you can enjoy refined dining and a walk through Valley of the Moon Park. While La Jolla's artistic and coastal elegance is mirrored in Hillside, with easy access to outdoor sights like Chugach State Park.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Anchorage

  • Explore Alaska Zoo wildlife.
  • Hike Flattop Mountain Trail.
  • Visit Anchorage Museum for local art.
  • Fish at Ship Creek.
  • See Aurora Borealis from Glen Alps Overlook.
  • Enjoy Alaska PAC performances.
  • Shop at Anchorage Market.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Anchorage

Moving can be a daunting yet exciting endeavor, especially when considering relocating from the sunny shores of San Diego, CA, to the wild, natural beauty of Anchorage, AK. This comparison aims to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, particularly emphasizing the transition from San Diego to Anchorage . Understanding the contrasts and benefits integral to this move will help you make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Mild winters
  • Year-round sun
Anchorage, AK iconAnchorage, AK
  • Lower housing costs
  • Less congestion
  • Snowy adventures
  • Amazing northern lights
Anchorage, AK iconAnchorage, AK
  • Long dark winters
  • Remote location
  • Colder climate
  • Fewer dining options
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Beaches
  • Warm weather
  • Cultural diversity

If you're moving from San Diego to Anchorage, you're trading the perpetual summer and vibrant nightlife found in places like the Gaslamp Quarter for the serene, snow-laden landscapes and the magnificent northern lights visible from locations like Flattop Mountain. While you might miss the cultural festivals and broad dining options ranging from Mexican food in Barrio Logan to sushi in Little Italy, Anchorage offers its own unique attractions. From dining at Simon & Seafort's with breathtaking views to exploring the wilderness in Chugach State Park, the transition presents an opportunity for a lifestyle permeated by nature and adventure. The chilly winters are a stark contrast to San Diego's mild climate, but they allow for unique activities like dog sledding or ice fishing, providing a refreshing change for those willing to embrace the differences.

San Diego vs. Anchorage Food Guide

Food is a cornerstone of culture and everyday life. When relocating, the food scene is a major aspect of the change you'll experience. We've created a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Anchorage to help you get a taste of what your new life could be like, flavor-wise.

San Diego
Anchorage
Most iconic local food item
Fish Tacos
King Crab
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Reindeer Sausage
Most popular street food item
California Burrito
Halibut Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Acai Bowl
Seaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • George's At The Cove
    • El Indio Mexican Restaurant
    • The Fish Market
    • Simon & Seafort's
    • Moose's Tooth
    • Snow City Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the vibrant, sun-soaked streets brim with food trucks offering everything from the iconic fish tacos to inventive vegan options like acai bowls, reflecting the city's high scores in both food truck abundance and vegan-friendliness. You'll find these culinary delights spread throughout neighborhoods, especially in places like Ocean Beach or downtown. Anchorage, on the other hand, offers a dive into the freshest seafood the Pacific North can offer, with King Crab and reindeer sausage being local favorites. Restaurants such as Moose's Tooth and Simon & Seafort's illustrate the city's affinity for hearty, warming dishes perfect for its cooler climate. Though different from San Diego, Anchorage's food scene is rich and deeply tied to its location, catering to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer comfort foods.

San Diego vs. Anchorage Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering great places to eat. For those making the leap from San Diego to Anchorage, this restaurant comparison will help bridge the gap between familiar tastes and new favorites, making the transition feel like finding a second home.

San DiegoAnchorageWhat You'll Love
AddisonSimon & Seafort's Saloon & GrillFine dining with a spectacular view
Phil's BBQTurnagain Arm Pit BBQAuthentic smoked meats capturing the BBQ spirit
Cucina UrbanaOrsoItalian flair with a focus on fresh, local seafood
Juniper & IvyMarx Bros. CafeInnovative takes on classic dishes
Hodad'sTommy's Burger StopLegendary burgers with a local twist
Las Cuatro MilpasGlacier BrewHouseMexican-inspired dishes with Alaskan ingredients
George's at the CoveThe Crow's NestUpscale dining with breathtaking views
Born & RaisedSullivan's SteakhouseHigh-quality steaks and cocktails
El IndioLa CabanaAuthentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Alaska
Oscar's Taco ShopMoose's ToothCreative takes on Mexican favorites and pizzas

Transitioning from San Diego's vibrant food scene to Anchorage's distinctive flavors can be a delightful journey. For example, while Phil's BBQ in San Diego serves up some of the best barbecue on the West Coast, Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ in Anchorage captures that same love for smoked meats with a unique Alaskan touch. Fans of the legendary Hodad's burgers will find solace in Tommy's Burger Stop, where the burgers are not only massive but also incorporate local flavors that add a new dimension to a familiar favorite. And for those who cherish Italian cuisine at Cucina Urbana, Orso presents a menu that combines Italian elegance with the bounty of Alaskan seafood, offering a dining experience that's both comforting and excitingly new.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Anchorage Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect of relocating, and understanding how housing in San Diego, CA contrasts with Anchorage, AK can significantly influence your decision-making process. This comparison seeks to illuminate the differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle between these two cities.

San Diego
Anchorage
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial/Spanish Revival
Rustic, Contemporary
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Ocean View, Solar Panels
Mountain View, Fireplace

In diving deeper into the housing contrasts between San Diego and Anchorage, the disparity in median home prices and monthly rents stands out, reflecting San Diego's higher cost of living. San Diego, known for its warm climate and coastal location, often features homes with ocean views and energy-efficient solar panels. The city's architecture is heavily influenced by its Spanish history, resulting in beautiful Spanish Colonial and Spanish Revival styles dotting the landscape. Meanwhile, Anchorage offers a more rustic and contemporary architectural vibe, fitting for its colder climate and mountainous backdrop, with many listings highlighting fireplaces and mountain views. Despite both cities having similar bikeability ratings, San Diego offers a more vibrant urban lifestyle, though its walkability doesn't vastly exceed that of Anchorage.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Anchorage, AK

1. Bear Valley : You'll enjoy living in Bear Valley with its spacious properties and access to numerous hiking trails, perfect for outdoor adventures with your pet.

2. South Addition : This neighborhood is great for pet owners with its many parks and pet-friendly cafes, where you and your furry friend can socialize and unwind.

3. Spenard : Known for being welcoming to animals, Spenard offers several dog parks and a lively community atmosphere that encourages pet-friendly gatherings.

San Diego vs. Anchorage Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another requires understanding significant differences in climate. In this comparison, we will explore how the weather between San Diego, CA and Anchorage, AK starkly contrasts, offering insights into what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunlight, and other meteorological factors. This knowledge is crucial for preparing for your move.

San Diego
Anchorage
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

77°F / 64°F
65°F / 52°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

66°F / 49°F
22°F / 11°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

12 inches
17 inches
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0 inches
75 inches


Transitioning from San Diego's warm, sunny climate to Anchorage's colder, snowier conditions means more than just a wardrobe change. You're likely to experience a drastic reduction in sunny days, significantly affecting daily life and personal mood. The lower UV index in Anchorage might require less sunscreen, but the increase in average annual humidity could affect how you manage indoor air quality. Preparing for Anchorage's winter involves not just adapting to the cold but also dealing with more snowfall than San Diego residents could imagine, affecting everything from daily commutes to weekend plans.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Anchorage

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances will be impacted. This comparison between San Diego and Anchorage offers a clear view of the economic differences crucial for your decision-making process.

San Diego
Anchorage
Avg. Household Income
$93,042
$86,654
Cost of Living Index
132.3
128.4
State Income Tax
9.3
0
Avg. Property Tax
0.76
1.18
Avg. Sales Tax
7.75
0
Top 3 Industries
Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
Oil & Gas, Transportation, Tourism
Affluence
Moderately affluent
Affluent
Poverty
Notable
Moderate
Homelessness
Significant
Concerning

Comparing the financial aspects of living in San Diego versus Anchorage reveals some striking differences. Despite a higher average household income in Anchorage, it's important to note the absence of both state income and sales taxes, potentially offering you more disposable income. However, Anchorage's cost of living, while lower than San Diego, is still high, largely due to the costs of importing goods. The contrasting top industries reflect the unique economic landscapes of each city, potentially impacting your employment opportunities. All these factors combined will significantly influence your quality of life and financial health post-move.

San Diego vs. Anchorage Political & Religious Comparison

This quick comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in San Diego and Anchorage . Whether you're moving for new opportunities or a change of scenery, understanding the community you're joining is crucial.

San Diego
Anchorage
Political Make-up
Democratic-leaning
Mixed, with a slight Republican tilt
Local Politics
Progressive urban policies
Support for outdoor activities and businesses
Religion
Diverse, with many faith-based communities
Diverse, with significant Christian and Native spiritual practices

In both cities, the political landscape reflects a complex mix of ideologies and interests that speak to their unique features. San Diego's progressive urban policies often focus on sustainability and inclusivity, reflecting its Democratic-leaning populace. Anchorage, while also diverse in its political makeup, harbors a community that values the great outdoors and tends to support policies facilitating business and development in those areas. Religion in both locales is richly varied, from the vibrant faith-based communities in San Diego to the significant presence of both Christian and indigenous spiritual practices in Anchorage. This diversity enriches the social fabric, offering newcomers a chance to find their niche within these dynamic populations.

San Diego vs. Anchorage Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Diego, CA to Anchorage, AK will present a variety of changes in your daily life, one of which is how you'll navigate around your new home. To help you better understand the daily commute and traffic differences, this comparison focuses on the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Anchorage. It will guide your expectations and help you plan your daily routines more efficiently.

San Diego
Anchorage
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
20
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
3 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
4 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
More challenging

When moving from San Diego to Anchorage, you'll find the overall commute time tends to be shorter in Anchorage. However, there's a clear difference in traffic congestion; San Diego experiences more congestion than Anchorage, reflecting the larger population and denser urban environment. Although San Diego offers more robust public transit options, making it somewhat easier to get by without a car, both cities present challenges in this regard. The reliance on personal vehicles is more pronounced in Anchorage, where public transit systems are less developed and the city's wide expanses make car travel more necessary for daily tasks.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best San Diego to Anchorage Movers Featured Image