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New Jersey to Alaska Moving Guide

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Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 3,504 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable property prices), food & health (like Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs cabin, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) and Italian Hot Dogs, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in Alaska is 28.94% more affordable than New Jersey
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to Alaska movers is Big G Movers, INC
New Jersey to Alaska featured image

Top New Jersey to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Alaska

9.55/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.40/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
All Brunswick Moving & Storage featured image

All Brunswick Moving & Storage

9.30/10
Exceptional

New Jersey to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Alaska

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Affordable property prices
  • Less congestion
  • Abundant nature trails

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Remote location
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Limited public transit
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Accessible public transport

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable property prices
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Alaska with less congestion
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of New Jersey for abundant nature trails in Alaska

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural diversity in New Jersey to live with a remote location in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of fewer entertainment options
  • Time to bid farewell to accessible public transport and get used to limited public transit in Alaska

New Jersey vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew JerseyAlaska
Most iconic local food itemPork Roll (Taylor Ham)Salmon
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogsReindeer Sausage
Most popular street food itemSalt Water TaffyKing Crab Legs
Most popular vegan foodVegetable PaniniSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • Don's Diner
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Crab Pot
  • Moose's Tooth
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 New Jersey to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) of New Jersey for the equally delicious Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dogs and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and King Crab Legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Panini 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 New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, Don's Diner, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. 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 Crab Pot, and Moose's Tooth.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Alaska

ComparisonNew JerseyAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodCabin, Ranch
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 listingProximity to NYC, upgraded kitchensPrivacy, scenic views
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Cabin and Ranch architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and upgraded kitchens, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like privacy and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than New Jersey.
  • Alaska is similarly bike-friendly to New Jersey.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • Alaska housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 28.94% more affordable than New Jersey.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Alaska

ComparisonNew JerseyAlaska
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Avalanches
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 66Β°F60Β°F / 44Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 25Β°F0Β°F / -10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4722
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2374
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Alaska. Alaska gets 26% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in New Jersey, 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 25 degrees colder than in New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 35 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 25 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Alaska

ComparisonNew JerseyAlaska
Avg. Household Income$96,346$88,121
Cost of Living Index129.7132.6
State Income Tax5.53%0%
Avg. Property Tax2.42%1.18%
Avg. Sales Tax6.6%0%
Top 3 IndustriesPharmaceuticals, Finance, TelecommunicationsOil, Fishing, Tourism
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 9% less than in New Jersey
  • The COLI in Alaska is 2% higher than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Alaska

ComparisonNew JerseyAlaska
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningRepublican-leaning
Local PoliticsDiverseLibertarian tendencies
ReligionMixed, with a high Catholic presenceDiverse, Protestant majority
  • New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as diverse with a Protestant majority
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a high Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Alaska

ComparisonNew JerseyAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
New Brunswick; Princeton University
Princeton; Montclair State University
Montclair
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage; University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks; Washington State University
Pullman
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCherry Hill Elementary School
River Edge; Glenwood Elementary School
Short Hills; Littlebrook School
Princeton
Bear Valley Elementary School
Anchorage; Northwood Elementary School
Anchorage; Ravenwood Elementary School
Eagle River
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCommunity Middle School
Plainsboro; Millburn Middle School
Millburn; Princeton Charter School
Princeton
Romig Middle School
Anchorage; Teeland Middle School
Wasilla; Floyd Dryden Middle School
Juneau
Top 3 High SchoolsPrinceton High School
Princeton; Millburn High School
Millburn; Bergen County Academies
Hackensack
West Valley High School
Fairbanks; South Anchorage High School
Anchorage; Homer High School
Homer
Top 3 private high schoolsPingry School
Basking Ridge; Delbarton School
Morristown; Newark Academy
Livingston
Pacific Northern Academy
Anchorage; Lumen Christi High School
Anchorage; Interior Distance Education of Alaska
Fairbanks
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPingry School
Basking Ridge; Princeton Day School
Princeton; Dwight-Englewood School
Englewood
Anchorage Christian Schools
Anchorage; Grace Christian School
Anchorage; Holy Rosary Academy
Anchorage
Top 3 School DistrictsMillburn Township School District
Millburn; Princeton Public Schools
Princeton; West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
West Windsor
Anchorage School District
Anchorage; Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Fairbanks; Juneau School District
Juneau

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