Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Alaska to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alaska
102.4
Washington
107.0
Washington has 4.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Alaska
93.8
Washington
126.0
Washington has 34% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Alaska
100.6
Washington
101.8
Washington has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alaska
100.4
Washington
101.1
Washington has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 47% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alaska
100.5
Washington
101.4
Washington has 0.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Alaska
$376,500
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 60% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 57% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alaska
65°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 22% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alaska
8°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 338% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alaska
33°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 52% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alaska
142
Washington
152
Washington has 7.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alaska
42 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 4.1% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alaska
8
Washington
39
Washington has 388% higher AQI
Snow / year
Alaska
85 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 66% less annual snowfall

Get the full AlaskaWashington report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Washington than Alaska?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

Related comparisons