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Iowa to Alaska Moving Guide

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Updated June 3, 2025

Planning a 2,829 mile interstate move from Iowa to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity vs crisp air), food & health (like Corn on the Cob vs Salmon), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs log cabin and modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Corn on the Cob and Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & King Crab
  • Alaska housing costs are 66% more expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Alaska is 61.22% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Alaska movers is Adamantine Spine Moving
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Top Iowa to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Iowa to Alaska

9.54/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
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Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
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Best Move Inc

9.25/10
Exceptional

Iowa to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Alaska

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Humidity
  • Summer storms
  • Lack of wilderness
  • Flat terrain
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Crisp air
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Majestic mountains

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Remote living
  • Isolation
  • Limited job options
  • Harsh winters
Iowa iconIowa
  • Accessible amenities
  • Familiar community
  • Stable job market
  • Warmer winters

Pros of moving from Iowa to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to humidity and hello to crisp air
  • Look forward to moving away from summer storms and moving to Alaska with scenic landscapes
  • Swap the lack of wilderness in Iowa for abundant wildlife in Alaska
  • Get ready for majestic mountains in Alaska

Cons of moving from Iowa to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from accessible amenities in Iowa to live with remote living in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a familiar community and have to settle with the con of isolation
  • Time to bid farewell to a stable job market and get used to limited job options in Alaska
  • Swap warmer winters for harsh winters

Iowa vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaAlaska
Most iconic local food itemCorn on the CobSalmon
Most popular meat dishPork Tenderloin SandwichKing Crab
Most popular street food itemBreakfast BurritoReindeer Sausage
Most popular vegan foodGrilled Veggie SkewersKelp Pickles
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Salmon Bake
  • The Alaskan Eatery
  • King Crab Shack
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 Iowa to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Corn on the Cob of Iowa for the equally delicious Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, Alaska residents know they have tasty King Crab and Reindeer Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled Veggie Skewers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kelp Pickles of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Iowa Smokehouse, The American Diner, and The Field of Dreams Movie Site. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like The Salmon Bake, The Alaskan Eatery, and King Crab Shack.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Alaska

ComparisonIowaAlaska
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanLog Cabin and Modern
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 listingSpacious Backyards, Hardwood FloorsScenic Views, Proximity to Nature
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Log Cabin and Modern architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and hardwood floors, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away, as Alaska is less walkable than Iowa.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike, as Alaska is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Alaska housing costs are 66% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 61.22% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaAlaska
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsEarthquakes, Avalanches
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F60Β°F / 44Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 14Β°F20Β°F / -10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3622 (variable by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3375 (variable by region)
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Alaska. Alaska gets 25% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Iowa.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and avalanches in Alaska.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Alaska is 22 degrees colder than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 24 degrees colder than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Alaska

ComparisonIowaAlaska
Avg. Household Income$69,588$88,121
Cost of Living Index95.9132.6
State Income Tax8.530
Avg. Property Tax1.531.19
Avg. Sales Tax6.941.76
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareOil, Fishing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 27% more than those in Iowa
  • The COLI in Alaska is 38% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • Hooray, moving to Alaska means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
  • The poverty level is moderate in Alaska compared to low poverty in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and high in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Alaska

ComparisonIowaAlaska
Political Make-upModerately Republican/DemocraticRepublican lean
Local PoliticsFocus on agriculture, educationEmphasis on oil, fishing industries
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, notable indigenous spiritual practices
  • Iowa tends to lean moderately Republican/Democratic in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as Republican lean
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity and notable indigenous spiritual practices
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Alaska

ComparisonIowaAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa City; Iowa State University
Ames; University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks; University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage; Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsNorman Borlaug Elementary School
Coralville; Horizon Elementary School
Johnston; Clive Learning Academy
Clive
Baxter Elementary School
Anchorage; North Star Elementary School
Anchorage; Fairbanks B.E.S.T.
Fairbanks
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNortheast Junior High School
Ankeny; Ames Middle School
Ames; Roosevelt Middle School
Cedar Rapids
Randy Smith Middle School
Fairbanks; Hanshew Middle School
Anchorage; Begich Middle School
Anchorage
Top 3 High SchoolsIowa City High School
Iowa City; Ames High School
Ames; Valley High School
West Des Moines
Service High School
Anchorage; West Valley High School
Fairbanks; Dimond High School
Anchorage
Top 3 private high schoolsDowling Catholic High School
West Des Moines; Xavier High School
Cedar Rapids; Regina High School
Iowa City
Anchorage Christian Schools
Anchorage; Fairbanks BEST
Fairbanks; Lumen Christi High School
Anchorage
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDes Moines Christian School
Urbandale; Maharishi School
Fairfield; Iowa Mennonite School
Kalona
Anchorage Waldorf School
Anchorage; Wasilla Lake Christian School
Wasilla; Holy Rosary Academy
Anchorage
Top 3 School DistrictsJohnson Community School District
Iowa City; Ankeny Community School District
Ankeny; West Des Moines Community School District
West Des Moines
Anchorage School District
Anchorage; Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Fairbanks; Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Palmer
Top Iowa to Alaska Routes

Des Moines to Alaska