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Wisconsin to Alaska Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 2,858 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs spectacular scenery), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs King Crab), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs ranch, log cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for King Crab & Reindeer Sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Alaska is 39.32% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Alaska movers is Elite Movers
Wisconsin to Alaska featured image

Top Wisconsin to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Alaska

9.58/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.44/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.34/10
Exceptional

Wisconsin to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Alaska

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Flat landscapes
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Unique wildlife
  • Mountain activities

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Long, dark winters
  • Remote locations
  • Higher cost of living
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Warm summers
  • Established communities
  • Rich history

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to spectacular scenery
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Alaska with unique wildlife
  • Swap the flat landscapes of Wisconsin for mountain activities in Alaska

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm summers in Wisconsin to live with long, dark winters in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of established communities and have to settle for the con of remote locations
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to a higher cost of living in Alaska

Wisconsin vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsKing Crab
Most popular meat dishBratwurstReindeer Sausage
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsHalibut Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan CheeseWild Berry Cobbler
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lumber Inn
  • Maderas Grill
  • Fromagination
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Glacier Brewhouse
  • Snow City Cafe
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 Wisconsin to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious King Crab of Alaska. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and Halibut Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Cheese they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Berry Cobbler of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Lumber Inn, Maderas Grill, and Fromagination. 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, Glacier Brewhouse, and Snow City Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Alaska

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialRanch, Log Cabin
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 listingSpacious yards, Lake accessNatural views, Privacy
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Log Cabin architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious yards and lake access, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like natural views and privacy.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alaska is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alaska is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Alaska housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Wisconsin's $294,909.
  • Not enough data to generate a comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 39.32% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
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 DisastersTornadoes, SnowstormsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodVaries greatly
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 57Β°F60Β°F / 44Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F20Β°F / -10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3222 (Varies greatly by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4875 (Varies greatly by region)
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Wisconsin to Alaska. Alaska gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Alaska has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and snowstorms in Wisconsin, 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 22 degrees colder than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 23 degrees colder than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Alaska

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
Avg. Household Income$70,996$88,121
Cost of Living Index95.65132.6
State Income Tax6.27%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%1.19%
Avg. Sales Tax5.46%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationOil and Gas, Tourism, Fishing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessManageableNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 24% more than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Alaska will be 39% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is moderate in Alaska compared to moderate poverty in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Wisconsin and noticeable in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Alaska

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
Political Make-upBattleground state with closely split statewide vote; governor is Democratic while the legislature has often been Republican; split federal delegation; high turnout and pronounced urban-rural divides.Generally right-leaning with an independent/libertarian streak; uses open nonpartisan primaries and ranked-choice voting; two Republican U.S. senators and a Democratic U.S. House member in recent cycles.
Local PoliticsCounties, cities, villages, and towns with many nonpartisan local races; issues often center on property taxes, school funding, roads, agriculture, and Great Lakes/environmental stewardship.Boroughs and cities plus large unincorporated areas; many small, remote communities; local issues focus on resource development, cost of living, transportation, public safety, and coordination across local and state entities.
ReligionChristian majority with notable Catholic and Lutheran traditions; a sizable and growing share of religiously unaffiliated; other faiths present in urban areas.Christian majority with broad denominational diversity, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions; comparatively larger share of religiously unaffiliated; other faith communities present in population centers.
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a battleground state with a closely split statewide vote and a governor who is Democratic while the legislature has often been Republican with a split federal delegation and high turnout along with pronounced urban-rural divides in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as generally right-leaning with an independent/libertarian streak and uses open nonpartisan primaries along with ranked-choice voting with two Republican U.S. senators and a Democratic U.S. House member in recent cycles
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with broad denominational diversity including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions and a comparatively larger share of the religiously unaffiliated with other faith communities present in population centers
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with notable Catholic and Lutheran traditions along with a sizable and growing share of the religiously unaffiliated and other faiths present in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Alaska

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison)
Marquette University (Milwaukee)
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (La Crosse)
University of Alaska Anchorage (Anchorage)
University of Alaska Fairbanks (Fairbanks)
Alaska Pacific University (Anchorage)
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsNorth Lake Elementary School (North Lake)
Lake Country School (Hartland)
Kohler Elementary School (Kohler)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Inlet View Elementary School (Anchorage)
Chiniak School (Kodiak)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMendota Elementary (Madison)
Lincoln Middle School (Edmonton)
Mahar Middle School (Bloomington)
Hanshew Middle School (Anchorage)
Tanana Middle School (Fairbanks)
Romig Middle School (Anchorage)
Top 3 High SchoolsMilwaukee School of Languages (Milwaukee)
Greenfield High School (Greenfield)
Eisenhower High School (New Berlin)
West High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Dimond High School (Anchorage)
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart (Madison)
St. Norbert College Preparatory School (De Pere)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Lumen Christi High School (Anchorage)
Fairhill Christian School (Fairbanks)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBrookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Wayland Academy (Beaver Dam)
The Prairie School (Racine)
Petersburg Schools (Petersburg)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Pacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District (Brookfield)
Waunakee Community School District (Waunakee)
Mequon-Thiensville School District (Mequon)
Anchorage School District (Anchorage)
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (Palmer)
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (Fairbanks)

Milwaukee to Alaska

Madison to Alaska