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Moving from Washington to Alaska

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

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

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

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

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
Washington
107.0
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 4.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Washington
101.8
Alaska
100.6
Alaska has 1.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 89% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 37% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,641/mo
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Alaska is 36% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Washington
79°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 18% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 77% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 34% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
Alaska
142
Alaska has 6.6% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 4.3% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39
Alaska
8
Alaska has 79% lower AQI
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 193% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonAlaska 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 Alaska than Washington?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington — 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?

Washington tops out at 0% 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.

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