Movers

Minnesota to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 2,518 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs stunning landscapes), food & health (like Hotdish vs Salmon), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs log cabin, contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Wild rice burger, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Reindeer sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 7% more expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Alaska is 4.53% more expensive than in Minnesota
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Alaska movers is Metro Movers

Minnesota to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Alaska

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat terrain
  • Dense population
  • High humidity
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Mountain ranges
  • Open spaces
  • Cooler climate

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Remote towns
  • Limited amenities
  • Isolation
  • Extended winters
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Numerous parks
  • Vibrant cities
  • Strong community
  • Diverse seasons

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to stunning landscapes
  • Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to Alaska with mountain ranges
  • Swap the dense population of Minnesota for open spaces in Alaska
  • Get ready for a cooler climate in Alaska

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from numerous parks in Minnesota to live with remote towns in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant cities and have to settle for the con of limited amenities
  • Time to bid farewell to a strong community and get used to isolation in Alaska
  • Swap diverse seasons for extended winters

Minnesota vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaAlaska
Most iconic local food itemHotdishSalmon
Most popular meat dishWild rice burgerReindeer sausage
Most popular street food itemMini DonutsKing crab legs
Most popular vegan foodGrain bowlsSeaweed salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Slippery Salmon
  • 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 Minnesota to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Wild Rice Burger and sumptuous Mini Donuts, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and King Crab Legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls 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 Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and Hell's Kitchen. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Slippery Salmon, and Snow City Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Alaska

ComparisonMinnesotaAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchLog Cabin, Contemporary
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 listingLake access, Large yardsMountain views, Wildlife proximity
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Log Cabin and Contemporary architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and large yards, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to wildlife.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alaska is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alaska is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Alaska housing costs are 7% more expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 4.53% more expensive than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaAlaska
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, blizzardsEarthquakes, avalanches
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6360/40
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)23/-320/-10
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2822
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5475
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minnesota to Alaska. Alaska gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Minnesota, 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 23 degrees colder than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Alaska

ComparisonMinnesotaAlaska
Avg. Household Income$82,338$88,121
Cost of Living Index98.75132.6
State Income Tax6.5%N/A
Avg. Property Tax1.10%1.18%
Avg. Sales Tax7.4%1.76%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareOil, Tourism, Fishing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 7% more than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Alaska will be 34% higher than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in AK is n/a compared to 6.5% in MN
  • The affluence in Alaska is moderate compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Alaska compared to low in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and higher in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Alaska

ComparisonMinnesotaAlaska
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsModerate with urban areas leaning more liberalMixture of conservative and libertarian, with variability in local governance
ReligionChristianity predominant, significant Lutheran presenceChristianity predominant, diverse denominational presence
  • Minnesota tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a diverse denominational presence
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a significant Lutheran presence

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Alaska

ComparisonMinnesotaAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSt. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower
Maple Grove
Scenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka
Aurora Elementary
Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School
Anchorage
Aquarian Charter School
Anchorage
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMinnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka
Wayzata Central Middle School
Plymouth
St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle
Stillwater
Rommig Middle School
Anchorage
Goldenview Middle School
Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School
Chugiak
Top 3 High School SchoolsMinnetonka High School
Minnetonka
Eden Prairie High School
Eden Prairie
Edina High School
Edina
West High School
Anchorage
South Anchorage High School
Anchorage
Dimond High School
Anchorage
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School
Golden Valley
The Blake School
Minneapolis
Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis
Holy Rosary Academy
Anchorage
Anchorage Christian Schools
Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School
Anchorage
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Blake School
Minneapolis
Breck School
Golden Valley
Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis
Pacific Northern Academy
Anchorage
Grace Christian School
Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School
Anchorage
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Edina Public School District
Wayzata Public Schools
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Top Minnesota to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Alaska

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Goal Line Moving featured image

Goal Line Moving

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details

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