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Moving from Wisconsin to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

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
Wisconsin
94.1
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 8.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 18% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
Alaska
100.6
Alaska has 2.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 45% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 28% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Alaska is 6.7% more expensive 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
Wisconsin
81°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 20% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 11% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 26% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
Alaska
142
Alaska has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 25% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
Alaska
8
Alaska has 80% lower AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 70% more annual snowfall

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alaska than Wisconsin?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% 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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