Moving to Alaska: What You Need to Know

A start to your Frontier State adventure

Getting ready to move to Alaska can be both exciting and stressful. Life in the Frontier State is quite different from what you’ll find in the lower 48. From wildlife to stunning mountains to the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights), Alaska has so much to offer.

When you know what to expect from the moving process and the Alaskan experience, you can relax and set forth on your new adventure while focusing on the adventure ahead. 

U-Pack® has helped people move to Alaska for nearly 30 years, and we’ve prepared a guide to help you get ready for the move of a lifetime. 

Facts about Alaska

Brush up on some details about the Frontier State before you relocate.

Alaska is bigger than you think, but not nearly as populated 

Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. by land area, but it is also the least densely populated. To put it into perspective, Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas, but its population density is only 1.3 people per square mile, compared to 121.4 in Texas.

Because of the large number of lakes, rivers and active volcanoes throughout the state, only a small portion of Alaska’s land is populated, with most people living in or near Anchorage.

So, if you want a lot of personal space, Alaska is a great choice since many locations are small, isolated villages.  
 

Data from the Official Alaska State Website and the Alaska Department of Workforce Development population estimates. 

The capital, Juneau, isn’t the largest city in the state

Anchorage is actually the most populous place, with just under 290,000 residents. That’s more than 9 times as many as the capital! 

Here are the state’s 10 most populous cities as reported by the Alaska Department of Workforce Development: 

• Anchorage (289,221)
• Fairbanks (31,068) 
• Juneau (31,182) 
• Knik-Fairview (21,467) 
• Badger (19,529) 
• College (12,118) 
• Meadow Lakes (10,235) 
• Wasilla (9,724) 
• Tanaina (9,159) 
• Kalifornsky (9,074) 

Looking for other potential places to settle down? Learn more about some of the best places to live in each region of Alaska. 

Living there means having to adjust for day and night hours

With its location near the Arctic Circle, Alaska experiences more daylight and darkness than the lower 48 states. 

Many residents take Vitamin D supplements and use special sun lamps to compensate for the lack of sunlight during the dark winters, which average only 3 to 6 hours each day. 

During the summer, some places experience more than 20 hours of daylight, and even when the sun sets, it still doesn’t get completely dark! To help with sleep, many residents use blackout curtains in their bedrooms to block the light. 

The seasons look and feel a little different compared to other states

Regional climates will vary, but overall, the state’s annual average temperatures range from 3 to 64 degrees. Alaska usually receives around 31 inches of rain and 74 inches of snow each year.

Winter usually starts in October and lasts through March. The season typically brings extreme cold in the interior of the state and slightly warmer temperatures near the ocean.

Snowfall is always abundant, and Southeast Alaska receives the most rainfall. In the winter, it’s best to allow extra time to shovel snow and clear off the car. Because of the darkness and cold air, the need for extra light and heat can lead to higher-than-average electric bills.  

Alaska generally experiences a melting period in April, leading to a short spring in May. Summer, mostly June through August, has plenty of sunshine. Fall is just a few weeks in September before the snow starts again. 

Cost of living and economic factors related to living in Alaska

Alaska is known for having a high cost of living, but it’s not the most expensive place to live in the U.S. 

While Alaska’s living costs are higher than the national average, they were lower than those in Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, California and New York in the second quarter of 2026*.

Key factors considered include average salaries and the typical costs of housing, healthcare and consumer goods.

Housing

According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, median rent plus utilities for two-bedroom apartments in Bethel ranged from about $1,300 to more than $2,000, depending on the geographic region.

New home construction reached a 10-year high in 2025. A median-valued home sold for $415,000** during the same year.

Unemployment rate

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5% in July 2026**, compared to the U.S. rate of 4.1%. Job seekers in Alaska can find openings and apply for jobs online on the department’s website.

Taxes 

When considering job offers and salaries in Alaska, remember that the state doesn’t have individual income taxes or statewide sales taxes. However, some cities have local taxes that are usually less than 5%. Property tax rates in the state vary based on area, dwelling type and the owner's age. For more tax information, visit the Alaska State Assessor’s website. 

Groceries and fuel

Food and fuel costs vary across the state since it’s more expensive to transport goods to remote areas. Prices are typically lower in urban communities (like Fairbanks and Wasilla) and higher in places where food must be flown in (like Bethel and Nome). But the highest prices in Alaska are generally found in the capital city of Juneau. 

*Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Cost of Living Data Series 
**Source: Alaska Government Economic Trends Reports, July and September 2026 

Experience Alaskan food and culture unique to the state

If you want to expand your diet, Alaska is an ideal place to try new cuisine! Expect to find large game animals like moose, caribou and elk on menus. Cold-water seafood like halibut and salmon are also popular since they can be caught locally. King salmon is the state fish. 

Wild berries like lingonberries and salmonberries are common. For a new dessert, consider trying the traditional Alaskan dish akutaq (also known as Eskimo ice cream), which is made with whipped animal fat, berries and snow. 

Alaska has an influential Native culture and heritage, showcased in festivals and culinary offerings. Native languages are still spoken in some areas. Because of Alaska’s location close to Russia, you’ll also notice some influence from that culture in the state. 

With the exquisite hiking areas to explore and wildlife to see, people in Alaska generally appreciate the great outdoors. Many people who enjoy hunting and fishing flock to the area for its wide-open spaces.

How to move to Alaska

The options for moving to Alaska are similar to those for relocating between other states — full-service movers, rental trucks or self-moving services. Typically, the best way to move is with a self-moving service like U-Pack®.

U-Pack makes moving to Alaska easy and affordable 

With U-Pack, you take care of packing, loading and unloading, and we handle the driving.

U-Pack’s ReloCube® moving containers are ideal for moves to Alaska. The metal, weather-resistant Cubes measure 6’ x 7’ x 8’. You can reserve as many as you might need, and you’ll only pay for the ones you use. 

Our 28-foot moving trailers are also available for some moves to Alaska. With the moving trailer, you only pay for the space you use, down to a minimum of 5 linear feet.

With U-Pack, there’s no deposit, and you can book a move early even if you don’t know the final address. If plans change, cancel the move within 7 days of delivery with no charge.

• A minimum of 10 days’ notice is required to book a move to Alaska, but it’s best to allow at least 45 days for equipment availability. 
• Door-to-door service is available in central Alaska, or you can unload at the Anchorage service center. 
• Transit times average 10-17 business days for moves to or from Alaska.

Get more details about U-Pack's services in Alaska.

Example U-Pack quote

For a studio apartment move from Milwaukee, WI, to Anchorage, AK, in December 2026, U-Pack recommends 5 linear feet in a moving trailer for $4,525 or 1 ReloCube moving container for $6,016. This quote was accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary. 
 
Learn more about shipping household goods to Alaska.

Personal travel when moving to the Frontier State

To travel to Alaska, you can drive, fly or sail. The best option will depend on the season and your family’s needs. However you choose to get there, it can be a special adventure!

Note: Passports may be required depending on the travel method you choose. 

By land 

Because of snowy weather, driving to Alaska is best during spring or summer. You’ll pass through Canada and up the Alaska Highway (also known as the ALCAN) for a road trip like no other. 

Crossing the Rocky Mountains, which span about 150 miles of narrow, winding roads with no guardrails, can be overwhelming for some. That’s why many people turn to a moving company like U-Pack as an alternative to driving a rental truck. 

Canadian law requires all U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card. A U.S. passport is the most widely accepted form of ID.

By air 

Alaska has several regional airports, but most commercial flights land in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau. Direct flights are available from several cities throughout the U.S., but many will require a stop in Seattle, WA. 

The good thing about flying to Alaska is that you don’t need a passport when traveling from state to state. Even if you happen to land in Canada (emergency landing, weather, etc.), a passport isn’t required because Alaska is the destination. Just don’t leave the airport in Canada if you don’t have a valid passport.

By sea 

Board a ferry in Bellingham, WA, for a scenic way to get to the state! The Alaska Marine Highway System includes more than 3,500 miles of coastline. The ship will take you (and your vehicle) along the Canadian coast to stops in Alaskan cities like Juneau, Whittier, Homer and Sand Point. The trip from Bellingham to Juneau takes approximately 38 hours, so be prepared to test your sea legs!

Sailing via the Alaska Marine Highway System (with no stops in Canada) won’t require a passport. But it will require a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. 

Alaska FAQs

Is it true that Alaska pays people who live there?

It’s true! The state shares oil dividends with its permanent residents through annual payments. The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) amount varies based on the previous year's oil profits. Read more about the Alaska PFD.

Can my pet come with me? 

Yes, most domestic pets can move with you. To enter Alaska with a pet, you should have their current health certificate and a current rabies vaccination (if the pet is three months or older). Visit the State Veterinarian’s website for more information. 

Can U-Pack move my motorcycle or snowmobile? 

Yes, U-Pack can move motorcycles, snowmobiles and other ATVs to Alaska. They can be loaded into the ReloCube once the fluids have been drained. 

Is storage available during the move?

If you’re not ready for immediate delivery, U-Pack can store ReloCubes at our service center in Tacoma, WA, until you’re ready for delivery in Alaska. All ReloCube moves come with 30 days of free storage, and additional time can be added for a monthly fee.

Ready to start your new life in the Frontier State? 

Get a free, personalized quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak with one of our helpful moving consultants. 

Need to PCS to Alaska? U-Pack can help — just consult with your base’s travel office for specific rules and regulations.