Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Alabama to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

AL state flag
Living now

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

AK state flag
Moving to

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

Alaska has an overall price level 102.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alabama
88.8
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 15% higher overall price level
Housing index
Alabama
61.8
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 52% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Alabama
96.4
Alaska
106.3
Alaska has 10% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alabama
98.3
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 2.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Alabama
17.4 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.4 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 57% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alabama
97.8
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 2.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Alabama
$233,300
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 61% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alabama
$1,077/mo
Alaska
$1,444/mo
Alaska is 34% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 65°F · Winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alabama
91°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 29% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Alabama
35°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 77% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alabama
63°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 48% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alabama
213
Alaska
142
Alaska has 33% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alabama
56 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 25% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alabama
50
Alaska
3
Alaska has 94% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Alabama
1
Alaska
2,769
Alaska has 276800% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
85 in

Get the full AlabamaAlaska report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alaska than Alabama?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.9 for Alabama, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alabama tops out at 5% income tax. Alaska tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alaska?

Most Alaska residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons