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South Carolina to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 3,655 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs crisp air), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Alaskan Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs rustic, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Alaskan Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Alaska is 5.40% more expensive than in South Carolina
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Alaska movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

South Carolina to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Alaska

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • High humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Dense population
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Crisp air
  • Stable weather
  • Ample space

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Extreme cold
  • Short growing season
  • No beach access
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warm winters
  • Long growing season
  • Sandy beaches

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to crisp air
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Alaska with stable weather
  • Swap the dense population of South Carolina for ample space in Alaska

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in South Carolina to live with extreme cold in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a long growing season and have to settle with the con of a short growing season
  • Time to bid farewell to sandy beaches and get used to no beach access in Alaska

South Carolina vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsAlaskan Salmon
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQReindeer Sausage
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsKing Crab Legs
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensWild Berries
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • FIG
  • Bowens Island Restaurant
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Glacier Brewhouse
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 South Carolina to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Alaskan Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and King Crab Legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Collard Greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Berries of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, FIG, and Bowens Island Restaurant. 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 Crow's Nest, and Glacier Brewhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Alaska

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRustic, Modern
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 listingLarge yards, porchesViews, privacy
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Modern architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and porches, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like views and privacy.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than South Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Alaska housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Not enough data to generate comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 5.40% more expensive than in South Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Carolina and Alaska

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
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, Volcanic Eruptions
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F60Β°F / 44Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F20Β°F / -10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.822.5
Annual Snowfall (Inches)174
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Alaska. Alaska gets 30% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to South Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in South Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Alaska.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Alaska is 30 degrees colder than South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 48 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 27.3 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Alaska

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Avg. Household Income$64,115$88,121
Cost of Living Index96.85132.6
State Income Tax7%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%1.19%
Avg. Sales Tax7.46%1.76%
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Automotive, TourismOil, Fishing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 37% more than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Alaska is 37% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in South Carolina and moderate in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Alaska

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Political Make-upConservative-leaningMix of conservative and liberal
Local PoliticsFocus on economic development, educationEmphasis on natural resource management, indigenous rights
ReligionPrimarily Christian, strong evangelical presenceDiverse, with Christianity being predominant, indigenous spiritual practices
  • South Carolina tends to lean conservative-leaning in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of conservative and liberal
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as diverse, with Christianity being predominant and indigenous spiritual practices
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a strong evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Alaska

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Clemson University
University of South Carolina
College of Charleston
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Charleston Development Academy (Charleston)
Aurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Scenic Park Elementary (Anchorage)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMontessori School of Anderson (Anderson)
Langston Charter Middle School (Greenville)
Spartanburg Prep School (Spartanburg)
Romig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mears Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Dutch Fork High School (Irmo)
West High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Eagle River High School (Eagle River)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Grace Christian School (Anchorage)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Thomas Sumter Academy (Dalzell)
Pacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Waldorf School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington District One
Greenville County Schools
Charleston County School District
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Top South Carolina to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Alaska

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Charleston featured image

Smooth Move Charleston

9.21/10
ExceptionalView details
Top South Carolina to Alaska Routes

Charleston to Alaska