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Moving from Alaska to Colorado

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state. vs. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

AK state flag
Living now

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

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

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

CO state flag
Moving to

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

Colorado has an overall price level 103.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alaska
102.4
Colorado
103.1
Colorado has 0.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Alaska
93.8
Colorado
127.4
Colorado has 36% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Alaska
106.3
Colorado
98.7
Colorado has 7.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alaska
100.4
Colorado
100.5
Electricity rate
Alaska
27.4 ¢/kWh
Colorado
16.5 ¢/kWh
Colorado has 40% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alaska
100.5
Colorado
100.6
Median home value
Alaska
$376,500
Colorado
$574,600
Colorado is 53% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alaska
$1,444/mo
Colorado
$1,822/mo
Colorado is 26% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alaska
65°F
Colorado
86°F
Colorado is 32% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alaska
8°F
Colorado
18°F
Colorado is 125% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alaska
33°F
Colorado
46°F
Colorado is 41% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alaska
142
Colorado
245
Colorado has 73% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alaska
42 in
Colorado
17 in
Colorado is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alaska
3
Colorado
49
Colorado has 1533% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Alaska
2,769
Colorado
8
Colorado has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Alaska
85 in
Colorado
69 in
Colorado is 19% less annual snowfall

Get the full AlaskaColorado 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 Colorado than Alaska?

Colorado's overall price level is roughly 103 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.2 for Alaska, 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?

Alaska tops out at 0% income tax. Colorado tops out at 4.4%.

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

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

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