Movers

Wisconsin to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

Hero background image

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 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 close racesLargely Republican, but with independent streak
Local PoliticsHigh civic engagementUnique local issues, such as indigenous rights
ReligionChristianity predominant, with diverse religious communitiesLess religiously affiliated, higher percentage of indigenous spiritual practices
  • Wisconsin tends to lean battleground state with close races in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as largely Republican but with an independent streak
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated with a higher percentage of indigenous spiritual practices
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Alaska

ComparisonWisconsinAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison Area Technical College
Marquette University
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwan School
Madison; Lake Shore Middle School
Mequon; Prairie View Elementary
Holmen
Aurora Elementary
Anchorage; Northern Lights ABC K-8 School
Anchorage; Bayshore Elementary
Anchorage
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLake Shore Middle School
Mequon; Whitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay; Pilgrim Park Middle School
Elm Grove
Mears Middle School
Anchorage; Romig Middle School
Anchorage; Mirror Lake Middle School
Chugiak
Top 3 High SchoolsEast High School
Madison; Homestead High School
Mequon; Brookfield East High
Brookfield
West High School
Anchorage; South Anchorage High
Anchorage; Dimond High
Anchorage
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Marquette University High
Milwaukee
Holy Rosary Academy
Anchorage; Lumen Christi High School
Anchorage; Grace Christian School
Anchorage
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Prairie School
Racine
Pacific Northern Academy
Anchorage; Anchorage Waldorf School
Anchorage; Birchwood Christian School
Chugiak
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield; Mequon-Thiensville School District
Mequon; Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Anchorage School District
Anchorage; Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Palmer; Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Soldotna

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
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details

Milwaukee to Alaska

Madison to Alaska