Pennsylvania to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska

ConsPennsylvania

• Humid summer heat
• Dense population
• Heavy traffic congestion
• State income tax
• State sales tax
• Toll road expenses
• Limited mountain vistas
• Industrial air pollution
• Ticks and Lyme
• Modest wildlife viewing
• Light-polluted skies
• Rare aurora sightings
• Crowded campgrounds
• Limited glacier access

ProsAlaska

• Cooler summer temps
• Wide-open spaces
• Lighter traffic
• No state income tax
• No statewide sales tax
• Fewer tolls
• Dramatic mountain ranges
• Cleaner air
• Very few ticks
• Abundant wildlife
• Dark night skies
• Frequent auroras
• Remote campsites
• Accessible glaciers

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Alaska

• Extreme winter cold
• Extreme daylight swings
• High grocery prices
• Expensive utilities
• Limited public transit
• Sparse healthcare access
• Slow, costly shipping
• Fewer direct flights
• Geographic isolation
• Narrower job market
• Limited shopping options
• Expensive travel
• More wildlife encounters
• Many unpaved roads

Pennsylvania

• Milder winter weather
• Balanced daylight year
• Lower grocery prices
• Lower energy costs
• Robust public transit
• Dense healthcare network
• Short shipping times
• More flight options
• Close to big cities
• Established job markets
• Abundant retail choices
• Lower travel costs
• Fewer wildlife hazards
• More paved roads

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska

• Say goodbye to humid summer heat and hello to cooler summer temps
• Look forward to moving away from dense population and moving to Alaska with wide-open spaces
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Pennsylvania for lighter traffic in Alaska
• Get ready for no state income tax in Alaska

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from milder winter weather in Pennsylvania to live with extreme winter cold in Alaska
• You'll lose out on the pro of balanced daylight year and have to settle for the con of extreme daylight swings
• Time to bid farewell to lower grocery prices and get used to high grocery prices in Alaska
• Swap lower energy costs for expensive utilities

Pennsylvania vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Alaskan Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Alaska residents know they have tasty King Crab Legs and Reindeer Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Zahav, Primanti Bros., and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like The Crow's Nest, Simon & Seafort's, and Snow City Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Alaska

• The Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Log Cabin and Modern architecture typical of Alaska.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and proximity to amenities, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like views and spacious land.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• Alaska has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Alaska housing costs are 36% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Not enough data to generate comparison.
• Rent in Alaska is 17.39% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Pennsylvania to Alaska. Alaska gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible storms and floods in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 30 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Alaska

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 23% more than in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Alaska will be 33% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pennsylvania and moderate in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Alaska

• Pennsylvania tends to lean Democratic in federal elections in its political climate
• Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning with independent streaks
• Alaska's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with pockets of indigenous spiritual practices
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with significant Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska