Moving To Alaska - A Complete Relocation Guide 2022

Moving to Alaska?

A Relocation Guide for 2025

This is a complete guide for Moving to Alaska. Get all the information you need to know about moving to Alaska.

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Demographics

Quick Fact

Why Alaska

Pros and Cons

Best Places

Cost of Living

Job Market

taxes Alaska

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Schools in Alaska

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• Moving to Alaska

Are you mulling over moving to Alaska?

If you love adventure, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting, mountain climbing, camping, fishing and the likes, moving to Alaska is perfect for you. The state is home to about 3 million lakes and 3000 rivers.

Alaska is the largest state by area in the U.S. with lots of breathtaking landscapes, mountains, rivers, and lakes to be explored.

Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska’s cold weather makes it a perfect spot for all sorts of snow related recreations and sports including snowboarding, skiing, and dog sledding etc.

If you’re considering moving to Alaska and wondering if the state is right for you or not, this guide contains all the key information you need to know to make the right decision.

Table of Contents

1

Alaska Demographics

2

Quick Fact Alaska

3

Why Alaska

4

Alaska Pros and Cons

5

Alaska Best Places

6

Alaska Cost of living

7

Alaska Job market

8

Alaska Taxes

9

Alaska Popular Sites

10

Alaska Schools

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Alaska Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Alaska.

Male vs Female Population of Alaska

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Alaska

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Alaska

Quick facts to know before moving to Washington DC

• The statehood of Washington DC was prohibited by the US constitution to stop a single state from having disproportionate power
• Though named after George Washington, the first President, he never lived in White House as he died before the construction of the White House was completed
• DC’s metro is the second busiest subway system in the US.
• D.C. gets more rain than Seattle
• Statue of Freedom, the bronze statue on top of the Capitol Building is more than 19 feet tall and weighs around 15,000 pounds
• The residents of DC speak about 168 languages at home
• The Washington Monument was once the tallest structure in the world
• The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library
• The Washington Monument accidentally has two different colors
• An empty crypt lies beneath the Capitol building—George Washington was supposed to be buried there
• There’s a museum dedicated to bonsai in DC
• The International Spy Museum is the only spy museum in the world

What’s the population of Washington DC?

About 689,545 people reside in Washington DC and its density is 11,294.76/sq mi. It stands 20th in the list of populous places in the US.

How is the weather like in Washington DC?

Washington DC has a humid subtropical climate. Winters are cool with light snow and summers are hot and humid. The winter temperatures average around 38 ???. It snows annually about 15.5 inches.

Summers are hot and humid and the temperature in July touches 79.8 ???. Heat indices regularly approach 100 ??? at the height of summer. The combination of heat and humidity in the summer brings very frequent thunderstorms, some of which occasionally produce tornadoes in the area.

How fast can you commute in Washington DC?

The average commuting time in Washington DC is the highest in the US – 43 minutes. This is much higher than the US national average of 27 minutes. About a third of the DC residents spend 45minutes or more commuting to the office every day. The average commute time in Washington DC has been increasing over the years.

Top 10 reasons to move to Alaska

Why are people moving to Alaska? If you love adventure, you’ll most likely like Alaska

But there’s more to Alaska than snow, mountains, and wildlife. The following are some of the key reasons people are moving to Alaska:

• Get the chance to explore wild lands and mountains

  With massive tracts of wild open spaces, ancient forests, soaring mountains, and salmon-filled rivers, Alaska is the last frontier of the US. The unspoiled wildlands of Alaska are home to some of the best wildlife habitats in the country, including eagles, salmon, caribou, and grizzly bears.

• Enjoy delicious seafood cuisine

  Alaska is the best and the last place to savor the best wild-caught seafood. And, with strict federal and state management ensuring sustainable harvests, this dining experience is guilt-free. Alaska salmon, in particular, is abundant and healthy, if not an outright “superfood.

  Some of the outstanding seafood in Alaska to relish includes:

  • Sockeye salmon
  • Coho salmon
  • Chinook salmon
  • King crab
  • Wild-caught shrimp and scallops
  • Pink salmon
  • Chum salmon
  • Pacific halibut
  • Pacific cod, black cod (sablefish), and lincod

• If you love cold winters, you’d love Alaska

  Alaska is meant for people who are crazy about winter. The state is notorious for long, cold winters, and cool summers, and in some parts of northern Alaska, snow is possible year-round.

• Lots of water related recreations to enjoy

  There’s no shortage of water in Alaska, which means there’s no shortage of fun water-sport experiences to be had. While kayaking is the most popular water activity, scuba diving, kitesurfing, and sailing are also highly popular.

• If you enjoy working remotely, welcome to Alaska

  Situated hundreds of miles away from the mainland of the US, bordering the north of Canada, Alaska is a perfect destination if you love working in remote areas. The largest state of the US, Alaska is rich in minerals but is extremely cold in climate.

• There’s no state income tax in Alaska

  A big plus of living in Alaska is the absence of income tax. As the state does not impose a tax on your income, your paycheck will be fatter every month

• You’ll enjoy the great outdoors in Alaska

  Alaska is too big and too beautiful. Highly breathtaking, Alaska has no shortage of outdoor fun. Along with state and national parks, the state also has many museums to explore.

  We’ve compiled some of the best places to explore Alaska outdoors.

  • Denali National Park
  • Tracy Arm Fjord
  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Alaska Highway
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North
  • Inside Passage
  • Dalton Highway
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
  • Iditarod National Historic Trail
  • Totem Bight State Historic Park

• If you love ice related sports, welcome to Alaska

  Alaska’s winter season is the perfect playground for winter sports of all types. From Nordic skiing to alpine skiing, from snowshoeing to snowboarding, from ice fishing to ice climbing, Alaska is the best turf to play winter sports.

• Alaska is rich in culture

  While the state is known for pristine nature, snowy mountains, and abundant wildlife, Alaska also has a rich traditional culture that is preserved intact. Visiting the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center or Hammer Museum helps you learn more about the rich past of Alaska.

• Alaska is the perfect place to enjoy a new lifestyle

  Moving to Alaska is the best way to catch up with a different lifestyle. There is a strong Russian orthodox influence in Alaska and even the Native American lifestyle is still visible. The people are more laidback and the geography is highly serene

Pros and Cons of living in Alaska

Taking a look at the pros and cons of living in the Last Frontier can make it easier for you to decide if moving to Alaska is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Alaska

• You’ll get the chance to enjoy the Great Outdoors on earth
• Alaska is the perfect spot to enjoy snow related sports
• Life moves slower in Alaska
• You’ll enjoy lots of small-town charm even in the big cities
• Summer is cherished in Alaska
• Alaska has a booming job market
• You may be eligible to get paid to live in Alaska
• You may be able to save some money by moving to Alaska
• You may get the chance to see lots of wildlife face-to-face
• Alaska is a business-friendly state

Cons of living in Alaska

• Earthquake is a constant risk in Alaska
• The weather can be extremely cold in Alaska even during summer
• Alaska’s cost of living is higher than the U.S. average
• Fuel prices are a lot higher in Alaska
• Alaska is far from the rest of the United States
• You’ll have to budget for heating during winter months
• You’ll have to put up with snow removal almost every day
• You’ll have to be a business to be self-employed

Best places to live in Alaska?

If you're considering moving to Alaska, living in the best places in the state should be among your top priority.

So, we've compiled relevant data about the ten best places to live in Alaska to help you get started.

Alaska is home to several beautiful cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Moving to Alaska means you can live in any of these neighborhoods. So, to make your house hunting easier, we’ve made a list of the ten best neighborhoods to live in Alaska. Check out the list below:

Rank	City	Population	Unemployment Rate	Home Value
1	Cordova	2,829	2.2%	$330,600
2	Unalaska	4,724	1.9%	$368,000
3	Valdez	3,847	1.9%	$168,600
4	Juneau	32,227	4.6%	$345,900
5	Sitka	8,640	5.0%	$358,600
6	North Pole	2,740	6.2%	$226,000
7	Homer	5,709	4.6%	$282,400
8	Soldotna	4,649	2.8%	$211,400
9	Nome	3,850	9.6%	$258,100
10	Kodiak	6,022	3.6%	$255,000

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Cost of living in Alaska

The cost of living in Alaska is 125.8. The national average is 100.

That means the average cost of living in Alaska is higher than the U.S. average. Since you’re considering moving to Alaska, check out the various items that makes up the cost of living in the state:

Cost of living	Alaska	United States
Overall	125.8	100
Grocery	141.7	100
Health	113	100
Housing	134.3	100
Median Home Cost	$310,600	$231,200
Utilities	169.8	100
Transportation	98.2	100
Miscellaneous	119.5	100

Alaska’s housing market

If you’re considering buying a home after moving to Alaska, you should be aware that up to 65% of Alaskans are homeowners. That means buying a property in the Last Frontier is a good idea. The following are key stats about the state’s housing market:

• Alaska’s median home cost is $310,000
• Over the last ten years, home values in Alaska have increased by 15.5%
• About 33% of Alaskans are renters
• Around 2.1% of homes and apartments in Alaska are open to rent
• Currently, home prices in Alaska are up by 1.6%

Rental homes average costs in Alaska

If you’re interested in renting a home after moving to Alaska, we’ve collated key prices about the state’s rental market. Check out the average costs of renting various homes and apartments in Alaska:

• The average cost of a studio apartment in Alaska is $891
• The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Alaska is $984
• The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Alaska is $1,272
• The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Alaska is $1,792
• The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Alaska is $2,136

Median House Price in Alaska vs USA

Median Rent Price in Alaska vs USA

Cost of Living by Categories in Alaska vs USA

How is the job market in Alaska?

Due to the impact of COVID-19 and other related factors, presently, Alaska’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average.

Here’s key stats of the state’s job market:

• Alaska’s unemployment rate is 7.1%. The national average is 6.0%
• Job growth is Alaska has been negative so far

Employment Information	Alaska	United States
The income per Cap	$35,065	$31,177
Household Income	$76,114	$57,652
Unemployment Rate	7.1	6.0%
Recent Job Growth	-4.34%	-6.18%
Future Job Growth	16.45%	33.51%

What’s the median salary in Alaska?

Whether you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Alaska or not, you’ll most likely be interested in the average salary and income in the state. Check out this breakdown of average pay in Alaska:

• The average annual pay for the average job in Alaska is $69,751
• The average hourly rate for the average job in Alaska is $33.53 an hour
• The average weekly rate of the average job in Alaska is $1,341 a week
• The average monthly rate of the average job in Alaska is $5,813 per month
• Alaska’s minimum wage is $10.34

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Top career options in Alaska

Looking for the highest paying jobs in the Last Frontier? We’ve made a list of the top career options to give you a glimpse of what to expect if you’re moving to Alaska:

Rank	Job Title	Average Salary	Entry Level Salary	# Of People
1	General Internal Medicine Physicians	$282,730	$145,250	90
2	Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$266,200	$124,470	660
3	Family Medicine Physicians	$264,010	$157,240	420
4	Pediatricians, General	$263,390	$148,030	30
5	Dentists, General	$242,850	$137,940	220
6	Airline Pilots, Copilots, And Flight Engineers	$180,100	$65,190	1,370
7	Chief Executives	$166,360	$66,800	1,080
8	Psychiatrists	$166,180	$53,150	40
9	Judges, Magistrate Judges, And Magistrates	$153,880	$91,210	150
10	Physician Assistants	$150,430	$100,890	430

Top industries in Alaska

Alaska is home to several large industries running the state’s economy. Since you’re considering moving to Alaska, you should be aware of these industries. The following are the leading industries in Alaska:

• Oil and Gas
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality
• Government
• Fishing
• Logistics & Moving

Number of Households by Income Level in Alaska

Median Income in Alaska vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Alaska vs USA

Will you be paying more taxes or less if you move to Alaska?

Taxes are most likely part of the key things you’ll have to take into account before making up your mind about moving to Alaska.

Here’s a breakdown of the key taxes in the Last Frontier:

• There is no income tax in Alaska.
• Alaska’s sales tax is 0% - 9.50%
• Alaska’s property tax is 1.18% average effective rate
• Gas tax in Alaska is 8.95 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline

Best things to do in Alaska

There are tons of things you can do to have fun in Alaska.

The Last Frontier is home to several different rare gems and the number of things you can do to have fun depends on how adventurous you are. If you’re moving to Alaska, here are some of the best things to do in the Last Frontier:

• Cross-country skiing

  Once it snows in Alaska, the skiing trails across the state get packed. There may be no other U.S. city laced with so many groomed trails open to the public without a mandatory user’s fee.

  Here are some best skiing trails in Frontier State to explore cross-country skiing.

  • Kincaid Ski Trails
  • Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
  • Refuge Ski Trails
  • Eagle River Nature Center
  • Eaglecrest Ski Area
  • Alyeska Resort Downhill
  • Tsalteshi Trails
  • Bartlett Ski Trails
  • Mirror Lake & Coyote Trails

• Snowmobiling

  Alaska has unlimited options to explore the backcountry on a swift machine. The frozen lakes and wooded trails in winter offer plenty of thrills and spectacular treks. Snowmobile tours are a fantastic way to escape into Alaska’s chilly wild.

• Visit the Denali National Park and Preserve

  The 6,045,153-acre Denali National Park and Preserve is a mix of forest at the lowest elevations, including deciduous taiga, with tundra at middle elevations, and glaciers, snow, and bare rock at the highest elevations.

• Enjoy river floating

  Nothing can beat the river floating in Alaska. The rivers here are huge bodies of water that move fast, run deep, and are cold. You can float through the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, without the physical exertion of hiking or climbing.

• Flightsee over an Alaska Mountain Range

  Drift into the wind in Alaska and watch the breathtaking scenic beauty of the state from the sky from the air – in Alaska, this is one of the common ways to explore the state. There are dozens of flight tours over the state to explore the beauty from height.

• Watch a Tidewater Glacier Crash into the Ocean

  Alaska promises the golden opportunity to watch glaciers from the close. You can walk to any glacier in the state as Alaska boasts about glaciers covering an estimated 34,000 square miles of area. There are also guided tours to glaciers.

• Feel Alaska’s Vastness by Driving One of its Highways

  Pick one of the many highways in Alaska to experience the scenic and wild beauty of Alaskan landscapes. Each highway and road takes you through different historic Alaskan towns and provides plenty of recreational and entertaining stops along the way.

  We’ve got a list of 6 highways in Alaska to explore the grandeur scenery of the state.

  • Taylor Highway to Top of the World Highway
  • Steese Highway
  • Copper River Highway
  • Walden Point Road
  • Sterling Highway
  • Richardson Highway

• Watch a Glacial River Go By

  The 12-mile Glacier River rises in a remote valley from a glacial meltwater lake from a Twentymile glacier and flows out into a large, wide valley where it receives the water of the Carmen River.

• See Alpenglow at Midnight

  Watch an alpenglow, a stunning natural phenomenon in Alaska, in which a glowing horizontal red band is observed along the horizon line, opposite to the sun. The hues are usually soft and subtle pink, purple and red colors which pop out against a clear backdrop

• Watch a Whale Shatter the Surface

  Perhaps there is no place better than Alaska to watch whales. The state has many whale-watching points that attract millions of people every year. You watch here humpback whales, beluga whales, killer whales, and grey whales, hundreds in number.

  To help you narrow your options, here are some of the best places in Alaska to see whales:

  • Prince William Sound
  • Inside Passage
  • Turnagain Arm
  • Seward
  • Kodiak Island

• View the Northern Lights

  Alaska is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights, colorful bands of light that dance in the night sky. It is possible to see northern lights in Alaska from mid–August to mid-April, in the winter.

• Visit the Museum of the North

  The University of Alaska Museum of North displays many wonders, including diverse wildlife and Arctic dinosaurs along with collections relating to the natural, artistic, and cultural heritage of Alaska and the Circumpolar North. In summer, the museum also hosts performances and programs to promote science and research.

Best Schools & Universities in Alaska

Whether you're still schooling or have school age kids or not, if you're moving to Alaska, you'd most likely be interested in the best schools in the state. Here we've made a list of the best elementary, middle, high, and colleges in Alaska. Check out the list below:

The Best Elementary Schools in Alaska

• Hydaburg School Hydaburg City School District, Public, PK-12 | 93 students, Rating: 10/10

• Nuniwarmiut School Lower Kuskokwim School District, Public, PK-12 | 51 students, Rating: 10/10

• Nanwalek School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 75 students, Rating: 10/10

• Hope School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 17 students, Rating: 10/10

• Susan B English School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 32 students, Rating: 10/10

The Best Middle schools in Alaska

• Hydaburg School Hydaburg City School District, Public, PK-12 | 93 students, Rating: 10/10

• Nuniwarmiut School Lower Kuskokwim School District, Public, PK-12 | 51 students, Rating: 10/10

• Nanwalek School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 75 students, Rating: 10/10

• Hope School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 17 students, Rating: 10/10

• Susan B English School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 32 students, Rating: 10/10

Best High schools in Alaska

• Hydaburg School Hydaburg City School District, Public, PK-12 | 93 students, Rating: 10/10

• Nuniwarmiut School Lower Kuskokwim School District, Public, PK-12 | 51 students, Rating: 10/10

• Nanwalek School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 75 students, Rating: 10/10

• Hope School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 17 students, Rating: 10/10

• Susan B English School Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Public, PK-12 | 32 students, Rating: 10/10

Best universities and colleges in Alaska

• University of Alaska Fairbanks - Fairbanks

• University of Alaska Anchorage - Anchorage

• Alaska Pacific University - Anchorage

• Wilmington University

• University of Alaska Southeast - Juneau

• Alaska Bible College - Palmer

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