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Last Updated: July 18, 2024
Although they’re thousands of miles apart, Alaska and California share some key similarities. As the largest and third-largest U.S. states by land area, both Alaska and California offer plenty of room to move around. Additionally, incredible scenery—and the potential for adventures on land, in the mountains, and on the water—characterize life in both states.
If you’re planning a move between Alaska and California, we’ll help you make a smooth transition. Below, we’ll give you a lay of the land so you can compare life in both states and prepare for your move. Then, we’ll offer you our tips for a safe and easy long-distance move between the Last Frontier and the Golden State.
Let’s start with a look at what you can expect when moving between Alaska and California.
Alaska vs. California: What to Expect After Relocating
Moving between Alaska and California can feel like a big change. If you’re still deciding whether or not to move—or you’re just eager to know what to expect in your new home—we’ll compare the two states in a couple of different categories.
Keep in Mind…
Both Alaska and California are huge states with broad variety within their borders. Life in San Diego is different than life in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Sacramento, California. Similarly, living in in Anchorage means a different experience than in Fairbanks, Juneau, or one of Alaska’s other locations. Below, we’ll take several different locations in each state into consideration to offer you a few different perspectives.
The Cost of Living in California vs. Alaska
Some are caught off-guard by the cost of living in Alaska—especially those moving from a relatively low cost-of-living area.
If you’re coming from certain parts of California, the cost of living in Alaska might cheaper than what you’re used to. Alternatively, if you’re leaving Alaska to find a lower-cost alternative, California’s biggest cities might not offer you the break you’re looking for.
Take a look at these cost-of-living comparisons from bestplaces.net to get an idea of how a few of California and Alaska’s biggest cities stack up:
| California > Alaska | Alaska > California |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA is 51.9% more expensive than Anchorage, AK | Fairbanks, AK is 36.4% cheaper than San Diego, CA |
| San Francisco, CA is 113.7% more expensive than Juneau, AK | Anchorage, AK is 4.6% cheaper than Sacramento, CA |
| San Diego, CA is 53.7% more expensive than Fairbanks, AK | Juneau, AK is 46.9% cheaper than San Jose, California |
(Source: bestplaces.net)
Is It Cheaper to Live in California or Alaska?
If you’re looking at a high-cost-of-living area in California, such as Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, or San Francisco, living in Alaska can be cheaper.
One of the big factors behind the high cost of living in California is the price of housing.
As you can see from the numbers below, the average home price in California is currently more than double that in Alaska. That can certainly make a difference in your budget.
Average Home Values
$783,666
California
$354,563
Alaska
(Source: Zillow.com)
As you evaluate the cost of living in each state, you’ll also want to consider the salary ranges you can expect in each location. According to Census Bureau data, the median household income in California is 6.4% higher than in Alaska. So while life in California might cost a little more, there’s also the potential to make a bit more money.
Median Household Income
$91,905
California
$86,370
Alaska
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
Depending on your occupation, you might make a little more money in California—or a lot if you’re employed in one of the state’s higher-paid occupations. Households in San Jose, California earn an average of $150,601, while households in San Francisco earn a yearly average of $167,663.
If you plan to look for a job in either state, take a look at each state’s major industries listed below. You’ll notice a few overlaps, including tourism and healthcare:
Major Industries in California
- Agriculture
- Film and Television
- Travel and Tourism
- Tech
- Service
- Healthcare
- Construction
Major Industries in Alaska
-
Oil and Gas
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality
- Government
- Fishing
- Logistics & Moving
Finally, don’t forget to factor in one major perk of Alaska living: the Permanent Fund Dividend. Established in 1976, Alaska’s Permanent Fund was designed to convert the state’s oil and mineral resources into a renewable financial resource for future generations. Alaska residents who qualify have received between $878 and $2,072 in the last 10 years. It’s a nice budget boost for Alaska residents!
Alaska Taxes vs. California Taxes
When it comes to personal tax burden, it’s hard to find two states more different than Alaska and California.
- According to an analysis by WalletHub, Alaska has the lowest overall tax burden of any state in the U.S. That includes zero personal income tax, which may come as a relief to California residents.
- If you’re moving to California from Alaska, get ready for the highest individual income tax burden in the U.S., according to WalletHub’s analysis. Additionally, when taking into account property and sales tax, WalletHub ranks California as the state with the fifth-highest overall tax burden, behind New York, Hawaii, Vermont, and Maine.
Although there’s not much you can do to avoid the taxes of your future home state, it is important to be aware of your potential tax burden so you can budget for it.
Life in California vs. Life in Alaska
As we mentioned earlier, it’s hard to generalize when it comes to the lifestyles you’ll find in Alaska versus California. The sunny beaches of San Diego stand in stark contrast to the fast-paced urban bustle in San Francisco. Even the neighborhoods of the greater Los Angeles area can offer remarkable differences.
The same is true in Alaska. Life in Anchorage, Alaska’s biggest “city” will feel worlds away from life in Ketchikan or life off the grid in a remote part of the state.
However, there is one major difference you’ll notice almost immediately—the sunshine. Even though Florida is technically the Sunshine State, California is famous for its sunny weather. Alaska, on the other hand, is famous for its dark winters.
- If you’re moving to California from Alaska, get ready to soak up your share of vitamin D via that beautiful California sunshine.
- If you’re moving to Alaska from California, consider buying a sun lamp. (We’re not kidding!) And, make sure to check out our guide to surviving your first Alaska winter.
Sunshine aside, one thing’s for sure: If you love outdoor adventures, both California and Alaska hold a ton of promise. Between mountain ranges, coastal regions, forests, and more, you’ll find plenty to explore, no matter your final destination.
Now that you’ve got a sense of what to expect in both states, let’s cover a few tips for your long-distance move.
Your California–Alaska Move Made Eas(ier)
When it comes to long-distance moves, careful planning and consideration will be your best bet for a safe, easy, and cost-effective relocation.
First, let’s start with the basics. You’ll have two options for your move between California and Alaska:
- Option #1: Do It Yourself
For Alaska residents with that “can-do” spirit, this will be the natural choice. Before you commit either way, check out our guide to the factors involved in a DIY Alaska move so you can make an informed decision.
- Option #2: Hire the Pros
Letting professional movers handle your relocation can immediately simplify your move—and add significant ease. If you decide to go this route, we’ll give you some pointers to make your move as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Hiring Professional Movers for Your Alaska-California Move?
Tip #1: Downsize to Save Yourself Money
When you request a quote for your Alaska-California move from a professional moving company, they’ll likely issue what’s called a non-binding estimate. In this case, the final cost of your Alaska-California move will depend on the weight of your possessions. (Read more about your rights and responsibilities on the FMCSA website.)
Simply put, the more you move, the higher your cost.
We tell all of our customers that the best way to save on their Alaska move is to downsize. Rather than packing and moving items you no longer want or use, take a hard look at all of your possessions and sell, donate, or trash what you don’t need before your move. You’ll reduce any clutter that’s built up in your house—and you’ll also save on your relocation.
Want a hand?
Check out our tips for downsizing before your Alaska move.
Tip #2: Understand Your Options for Smaller Moves
For your California-Alaska move, you can choose to send a full 20-foot or 40-foot container full of your possessions—but you don’t have to. Many moving companies offer flexible options for smaller moves.
If you don’t have enough to fill a container, your movers can arrange for what the industry calls a less-than-container (LCL) shipment, sometimes referred to as a consolidation.
For these smaller moves, your items will be packed into wooden crates called lift vans. Then, they’ll be loaded into a container headed for your destination. Your items will stay safe and secure until they reach their final destination.
How, exactly, do Alaska moves work?
Read more about your options for Alaska moves of all sizes.
Tip #3: Get Three, Independent Quotes
When hiring professional movers, it’s a good idea to get three, independent quotes for your relocation. This will give you a solid lay of the land for what a move like yours will cost. If one move is priced much lower than all the others, be a bit wary. Make sure you ask exactly what’s included—and what’s not—so there are no surprises on Moving Day.
Don’t forget to ask your movers about extra services.
Some residential moving companies can assist with packing and unpacking services or furniture disassembly and assembly, which can save you a ton of time and add significant convenience to your move. Make sure to inquire when requesting quotes so you have all the options laid out in front of you.
Tip #4: Think Twice Before Driving Your Car to or from Alaska
Finally, the idea of driving between Alaska and California via the ALCAN highway might sound exciting—and maybe even romantic.
However, the journey can be rough on your vehicle. Additionally, there are big stretches of road with zero cell phone service and no help for hundreds of miles. In other words, driving to or from Alaska isn’t a trip you want to take lightly.
Before you commit to driving your car, truck, or SUV to or from Alaska, check out our article: How to Get Your Car from the Mainland to Alaska…in One Piece!
We’ll show you all your options—and help you prepare for the drive—so you can make the right decision with confidence.
If You’re Moving to Alaska . . .
. . . trust us when we say that there’s no place like it on earth! Our Anchorage-based team has done moves to and from just about everywhere in Alaska, and we’d love to assist with your relocation.
Whether Alaska is your origin or your destination, we’d be happy to handle your move. Simply reach out to our team for a complimentary quote, and we’ll put one together for you, tailored to your specific moving goals.
Finally, if the Land of the Midnight Sun is your destination, check out some of our other guides to Alaska living so you can prepare for your move—and your new life:
