Movers

DC to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 3,490 mile interstate move from DC to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like traffic jams vs less traffic), food & health (like Half-smoke vs Salmon), real estate & housing (victorian and colonial vs log cabins and modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-smoke and Mumbo sauce with wings, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Reindeer sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Alaska is 27.40% more affordable than in DC
  • Our top recommended DC to Alaska movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Alaska

ConsDC iconDC
  • Traffic jams
  • High cost of living
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Limited wildlife
  • City noise
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Less traffic
  • Cheaper housing
  • Cooler summers
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Quiet, serene

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Fewer dining options
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Limited museums
  • Car reliance
  • Harsh winters
DC iconDC
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Rich history
  • Great museums
  • Public transportation
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from DC to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to traffic jams and hello to less traffic
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Alaska with cheaper housing
  • Swap the hot, humid summers of DC for cooler summers in Alaska
  • Get ready for abundant wildlife in Alaska

Cons of moving from DC to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse cuisine in DC to live with fewer dining options in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to great museums and get used to limited museums in Alaska
  • Swap public transportation for car reliance

DC vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCAlaska
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeSalmon
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce with wingsReindeer sausage
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks offeringsKing crab legs
Most popular vegan foodPlant-based burgersSeaweed salads
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya
  • Le Diplomate
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’Ŗ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie ScenešŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce with wings and sumptuous Food Trucks offerings, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer sausage and King crab legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-based burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seaweed salads of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Rosa's Thai Cafe, Zaytinya, and Le Diplomate. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like Simon's Seafort's, The Salmon Bake, and Snow City Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Alaska

ComparisonDCAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ColonialLog cabins and modern
WalkabilityšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestylešŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļø
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Metro, historic detailsNatural scenery, space
  • The Victorian and Colonial architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the log cabins and modern architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historic details, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like natural scenery and space.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Alaska housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 27.40% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCAlaska
Days of Sunshine per Yearā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļø
Avg. Annual HumidityšŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļø
Natural DisastersStorms, hurricanesEarthquakes, volcanoes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (°F)89°F / 71°F60°F / 44°F
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47°F / 29°F20°F / -10°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40.74"22"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.4"74"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Alaska. Alaska gets 26% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible storms and hurricanes in DC, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Alaska is 29 degrees colder than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 39 degrees colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 18.7 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Alaska

ComparisonDCAlaska
Avg. Household Income$101,027$88,121
Cost of Living Index140.1132.6
State Income Tax8.5%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%1.19%
Avg. Sales Tax6%1.76%
Top 3 IndustriesPublic Administration, Professional Services, Health CareOil & Gas, Tourism, Fishing
AffluenceProsperousModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessSignificantNotable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 13% less than those in DC
  • The COLI in Alaska will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is moderate compared to prosperous in DC
  • The poverty level is moderate in Alaska compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in DC and notable in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Alaska

ComparisonDCAlaska
Political Make-upStrongly DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsUrban-centric issues, emphasis on federal governanceFocus on environmental policy, resource management
ReligionHigher percentage of non-religious individuals, diverse religious landscapeConservative Christian majority, but diverse indigenous spiritual practices
  • DC tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as a conservative Christian majority, but with diverse indigenous spiritual practices
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a higher percentage of non-religious individuals and a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Alaska

ComparisonDCAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMann Elementary
Janney Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Rogers Park Elementary
North Star Elementary
Aquarian Charter School
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Eliot-Hine Middle School
Romig Middle School
Goldenview Middle School
Mirror Lake Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School
Banneker High School
Wilson High School
West High School
South Anchorage High
Dimond High School
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
Grace Christian School
Anchorage Christian Schools
Holy Rosary Academy
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School
National Cathedral School
Georgetown Preparatory School
Pacific Northern Academy
Birchwood Christian School
Lumen Christi High School
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public Schools
KIPP DC
Friendship Public Charter School
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Top DC to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Alaska

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details

Washington DC to Alaska