Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from South Carolina to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

SC state flag
Living now

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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
South Carolina
93.7
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 9.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 17% higher housing costs
Groceries index
South Carolina
96.3
Alaska
106.3
Alaska has 10% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.4 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 60% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 26% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
Alaska
$1,444/mo
Alaska is 14% 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
South Carolina
91°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 29% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 76% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 48% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
Alaska
142
Alaska has 34% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 14% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Carolina
37
Alaska
3
Alaska has 92% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
South Carolina
2
Alaska
2,769
Alaska has 138350% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 8400% more annual snowfall

Get the full South CarolinaAlaska 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 South Carolina?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 94.6 for South Carolina, 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?

South Carolina tops out at 5.21% 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