Movers

Oregon to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,910 mile interstate move from Oregon to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like frequent rain vs less rain, more snow), food & health (like Marionberry Pie vs Wild Alaskan Salmon), real estate & housing (craftsman vs ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Marionberry Pie and Portland BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Wild Alaskan Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 29% less expensive than they are in Oregon
  • Rent in Alaska is 1.33% more affordable than in Oregon
  • Our top recommended Oregon to Alaska movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

Oregon to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Alaska

ConsOregon iconOregon
  • Frequent rain
  • Dense population
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited wildlife
  • Traffic congestion
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Less rain, more snow
  • Sparse population
  • Lower cost of living
  • Diverse wildlife
  • Minimal traffic

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Colder temperatures
  • Remote location
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited growing season
  • Less infrastructure
Oregon iconOregon
  • Mild climate
  • Proximity to major cities
  • Varied cultural activities
  • Year-round greenery
  • Bike-friendly cities

Pros of moving from Oregon to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to frequent rain and hello to less rain and more snow
  • Look forward to moving away from dense population and moving to Alaska with sparse population
  • Swap the higher cost of living in Oregon for the lower cost of living in Alaska
  • Get ready for diverse wildlife in Alaska

Cons of moving from Oregon to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in Oregon to live with colder temperatures in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to major cities and have to settle for the con of remote location
  • Time to bid farewell to varied cultural activities and get used to fewer cultural events in Alaska
  • Swap year-round greenery for a limited growing season

Oregon vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOregonAlaska
Most iconic local food itemMarionberry PieWild Alaskan Salmon
Most popular meat dishPortland BBQReindeer Sausage
Most popular street food itemFood Cart TacosKing Crab Legs
Most popular vegan foodTempeh BowlWild Berry Smoothie
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Voodoo Doughnut
  • Edit: Le Pigeon
  • Bamboo Sushi
  • Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Snow City CafΓ©
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 Oregon to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Marionberry Pie of Oregon for the equally delicious Wild Alaskan Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Portland BBQ and sumptuous Food Cart Tacos, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and King Crab Legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Berry Smoothie of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oregon eateries like Voodoo Doughnut, Le Pigeon, and Bamboo Sushi. 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 Saloon and Grill, The Crow's Nest, and Snow City CafΓ©.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and Alaska

ComparisonOregonAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanRanch
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 listingEco-friendly features, Proximity to natureViews, Spacious plots
  • The Craftsman architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and proximity to nature, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like views and spacious plots.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than Oregon.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than Oregon.
  • Alaska housing costs are 29% less expensive than they are in Oregon, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Oregon’s $497,946.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 1.33% more affordable than in Oregon.

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

ComparisonOregonAlaska
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 DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresEarthquakes, Avalanches
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 55Β°F60Β°F / 44Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 33Β°F20Β°F / -10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)43"22"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)8"75"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to Alaska. Alaska gets 4% more sunshine days than Oregon.
  • Alaska has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oregon.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon, 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 20 degrees colder than in Oregon.
  • The average winter lows in Alaska are 43 degrees colder than they are in Oregon.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and Alaska

ComparisonOregonAlaska
Avg. Household Income$75,657$88,121
Cost of Living Index110.55132.6
State Income Tax9%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.0%1.2%
Avg. Sales Tax0%0%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, TourismTourism, Fishing, Oil
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 16% more than those in Oregon
  • The COLI in Alaska will be 20% higher than what you are used to living in Oregon
  • Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate affluence in Oregon
  • The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate poverty in Oregon
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Oregon and low in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. Alaska

ComparisonOregonAlaska
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic-leaning, especially in urban areasMix of conservative and libertarian, with some Democratic strongholds
Local PoliticsEnvironmental policies and social justice are significantOil, fishing, and indigenous rights dominate
ReligionLess religious overall, with a variety of beliefsChristianity predominant, diverse indigenous spiritual practices
  • Oregon tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of conservative and libertarian with some Democratic strongholds
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with diverse indigenous spiritual practices
  • Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall with a variety of beliefs

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Alaska

ComparisonOregonAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAinsworth Elementary - Portland
Findley Elementary - Portland
Oak Creek Elementary - Lake Oswego
Rogers Park Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC School - Anchorage
Aquarian Charter School - Anchorage
Top 3 Middle SchoolsStoller Middle School - Portland
Lake Oswego Junior High - Lake Oswego
Cedar Park Middle School - Beaverton
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Romig Middle School - Anchorage
Goldenview Middle School - Anchorage
Top 3 High SchoolsLake Oswego High - Lake Oswego
Lincoln High - Portland
South Eugene High - Eugene
West High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Dimond High School - Anchorage
Top 3 private high schoolsCatlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
St. Mary's Academy - Portland
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Anchorage Christian Schools - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsOregon Episcopal School - Portland
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Delphian School - Sheridan
Pacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Anchorage Christian Schools - Anchorage
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
West Linn-Wilsonville School District
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Top Oregon to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for Oregon to Alaska

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Relocation Services featured image

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Northwest Grace Moving featured image

Northwest Grace Moving

9.31/10
ExceptionalView details

Portland to Alaska

Salem to Alaska

Eugene to Alaska