New York to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Alaska

ConsNew York

• High rent prices
• Packed commutes
• Hot humid summers
• Limited green space
• Light pollution
• Parking headaches
• High state taxes
• Tiny apartments
• Constant noise
• Concrete jungle
• Smoggy air days
• Limited fishing access

ProsAlaska

• Lower housing costs
• Lighter traffic
• Cooler summer temps
• Vast wild landscapes
• Dark starry skies
• Easier parking
• No income tax
• More living space
• Peaceful evenings
• Mountain and glacier views
• Cleaner air
• World-class fishing

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Alaska

• Fewer cultural venues
• Fewer restaurants
• Limited public transit
• Car-dependent living
• Smaller job market
• Shorter business hours
• Fewer pro teams
• Longer, pricier flights
• Slower shipping times
• Smaller social circles
• Fewer specialists
• Fewer big events

New York

• World-class museums
• Diverse dining options
• Extensive public transit
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Many job options
• 24/7 conveniences
• Major league sports
• Frequent flight options
• Fast deliveries
• Wide social networks
• Top-tier healthcare
• Abundant live events

Pros of moving from New York to Alaska

• Say goodbye to high rent prices and hello to lower housing costs
• Look forward to moving away from packed commutes and moving to Alaska with lighter traffic
• Swap the hot humid summers of New York for cooler summer temps in Alaska
• Get ready for vast wild landscapes in Alaska

Cons of moving from New York to Alaska

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from world-class museums in New York to live with fewer cultural venues in Alaska
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse dining options and have to settle for the con of fewer restaurants
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to limited public transit in Alaska
• Swap walkable neighborhoods for car-dependent living

New York vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic New York-Style Pizza of New York for the equally delicious Alaskan Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful Pastrami on Rye and sumptuous Hot Dog, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and King Crab Legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Peter Luger. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like The Saltry, Simon & Seafort's, and 49th State Brewing Co.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Alaska

• The Art Deco and Modern architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Cabin and Ranch architecture typical of Alaska.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference close subway and rooftop access, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large plots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than New York.
• Alaska has less of an urban feel than New York.
• Alaska housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in New York with a median home price of $354,563 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Not enough data to generate a comparison.
• Rent in Alaska is 30.28% more affordable than in New York.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Alaska. Alaska gets 33% fewer sunshine days than New York.
• Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, 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 25 degrees colder than New York.
• The average winter lows are 36 degrees colder than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 27.4 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Alaska

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 11% more than in New York
• The COLI in Alaska will be 29% higher than what you are used to living in New York
• Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Alaska is moderate compared to high in New York
• The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in New York and low in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Alaska

• New York tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• Alaska's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant Jewish community