Best Alaska to DC Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Alaska to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,490 mile AK to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Alaska to DC moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Alaska compared to DC. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Alaska to DC Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHG
2Mic's Moving9.609.56Authorized For HHG
3The Moving Man7.818.91Authorized For HHG
4Air Van Moving6.806.98Authorized For Property
5Royal Alaskan Movers6.446.71Authorized For Property, HHG
6Golden North Van Lines6.045.89Authorized For Property
Phone (800) 787-5428
Alaska iconArrow iconDC icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to Alaska guide.

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Compare the 6 Best AK to DC Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,057+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 3,605+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
The Moving Man Logo

The Moving Man

Good7.81/10
based on 215+ data points

550 W 54th Ave

Anchorage, AK, 99518

About The Moving Man

The Moving Man is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Anchorage, Alaska since 1992. Their service area includes...

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • Local Commercial Moving
  • Out-of-State Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

807379 / 359080

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved55,000 (2018)
View Full Review
3
Air Van Moving Logo

Air Van Moving

6.80/10
based on 37+ data points

209 Post Rd

Anchorage, AK, 99501

About Air Van Moving

Air Van Moving is a professional moving company that is based in Alaska and the Northwest. Whether it is across town,...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving
  • Long-Distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

125012 / 118474

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Royal Alaskan Movers Logo

Royal Alaskan Movers

6.44/10
based on 308+ data points

2216 N Post Rd

Anchorage, AK, 99501

About Royal Alaskan Movers

Royal Alaskan Movers is a professional moving company that has been serving clients in Anchorage, Alaska, and its surrounding areas since...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2077580 / FF-10566 725677

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved92,150 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Golden North Van Lines Logo

Golden North Van Lines

6.04/10
based on 42+ data points

620 Old Richardson Hwy

Fairbanks, AK, 99701

About Golden North Van Lines

Since 1976, Golden North Van Lines has been a reliable Alaska moving company, with locations in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Representing United...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Military Moving and Military Storage
  • Commercial Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

163057 / 140586

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans33
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved1,140,000 (2020)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to DC

Understanding the balance between the pros and cons of relocating from Alaska to DC is crucial for making an informed decision. These insights offer an honest comparison of life changes when moving from the serene landscapes of Alaska to the bustling, culture-rich environment of Washington, DC.

CONs
PROs
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Harsh winters
  • Remote location
  • Limited job market
  • High cost of goods
DC iconDC
  • Milder climate
  • Urban amenities
  • Career opportunities
  • Competitive pricing
DC iconDC
  • Urban congestion
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busy atmosphere
  • Limited green space
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Natural beauty
  • Fresh seafood
  • Peaceful lifestyle
  • Outdoor activities

Relocating from Alaska to DC presents a fascinating contrast in lifestyle and opportunities. In DC, you'll enjoy a milder climate, allowing for year-round exploration of places like Rock Creek Park and the National Mall without the harsh winters of Alaska. However, the natural beauty of Alaska, with its majestic mountains and glaciers, is unrivaled compared to the urban congestion of DC. While you'll miss the abundance of fresh seafood that Alaskan waters provide, DC offers a diverse culinary scene with renowned restaurants in neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Expect to exchange the peaceful solitude of Alaska for a bustling environment filled with cultural landmarks, such as the Smithsonian Institution and vibrant nightlife across the city. Balancing these differences will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and priorities.

Alaska vs. DC Food Guide

Understanding the local food scene is crucial when relocating, as food is a vital part of local culture and the living experience in a new area. In this guide, we provide a comparison between the local cuisines of Alaska & DC to help you better appreciate what culinary delights await you in your new home.

Alaska
DC
Most iconic local food item
King Crab
Half-smoke
Most popular meat dish
Reindeer sausage
Mumbo sauce on chicken
Most popular street food item
Smoked salmon quesadilla
Food truck tacos
Most popular vegan food
Wild berry cobbler
Impossible burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Homestead Restaurant
  • Merrill Field Inn
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Alaska to DC, you'll find a shift from the hearty, seafood-centric dishes like King Crab and reindeer sausage that are popular in the rugged Alaskan terrain, to DC's more urban, diverse culinary scene characterized by iconic dishes like the half-smoke and a host of international cuisines. In DC, places such as Ben's Chili Bowl and Zaytinya offer a glimpse into the city's rich food culture. Neighborhoods like U Street and Capitol Hill buzz with food trucks and vegan options, showcasing the city's high foodie scene rating and its receptiveness to health-conscious and plant-based diets.

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Alaska vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

Choosing the right home is a pivotal part of your relocation journey. Understanding how housing options in Alaska compare to those in DC can guide your decision-making process, ensuring you find a place that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Alaska
DC
Typical Architecture Style
Cabin/Lodge
Federal and Victorian
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Scenic Views, Privacy
Proximity to Metro, Rooftop Decks

When considering a move from Alaska to DC, you'll find a stark contrast in living environments. Alaska's housing market is characterized by more affordable homes and rentals, but with a trade-off in urban amenities and walkability. The typical cabin-style homes cater to those seeking privacy and scenic views. In contrast, DC offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with its Federal and Victorian architecture, higher walkability, and bikeability scores, catering to individuals who value proximity to work, cultural hotspots, and public transportation. The difference in median home prices and monthly rents reflects this shift towards a more metropolitan way of living.

Alaska vs. DC Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Alaska to DC, understanding the weather comparison is crucial. This will help you determine how the climate differs and what adjustments you might need to make.

Alaska
DC
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Volcanoes
Hurricanes, Winter Storms
Air Quality
Good
Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

60-80°F / 40-55°F
87°F / 71°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

0-30°F / -20-15°F
47°F / 30°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22" (varies greatly by region)
40"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

75" (varies greatly by region)
15.4"


In transitioning from Alaska's diverse climates to DC's more consistent weather patterns, you'll find DC's summers to be significantly warmer and winters notably milder. The increase in sunny days and lower annual snowfall in DC eases outdoor activities and commuting. However, the higher humidity and UV index in DC during summer can feel quite different to the dry, cool Alaskan air. It’s also worth noting that while Alaska often grapples with natural disasters like earthquakes, DC's weather challenges mainly include hurricanes and winter storms. Preparing for these new climate conditions will be essential for a smooth transition.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Alaska to DC

When planning a move, understanding the financial implications of relocating from Alaska to DC is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the distinctions in cost of living, taxes, and employment opportunities, easing your transition.

Alaska
DC
Avg. Household Income
$88,121
$101,027
Cost of Living Index
132.6
140.1
State Income Tax
0%
4-8.95%
Avg. Property Tax
1.18%
0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax
None
6%
Top 3 Industries
Oil, Fishing, Tourism
Government, Professional Services, Tourism
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Low
Lower
Homelessness
Moderate
High

Moving from Alaska to DC, you'll find higher average household incomes but also face a significant increase in the cost of living. The absence of a state income tax in Alaska contrasts sharply with DC's tiered tax system, which could affect your take-home pay. Despite DC's higher homelessness rate, its affluence level and lower poverty rate indicate a diverse economic environment. Employment opportunities in DC also vary considerably, with a strong emphasis on government and professional services, contrasting with Alaska's reliance on oil, fishing, and tourism industries.

Alaska vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

The moving journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., encompasses more than just a change of scenery. This guide offers a comparison of the politics between Alaska & DC, alongside a quick insight into the religious composition of their residents. It provides a vital snapshot for those considering this significant relocation, allowing you to understand the community you'll be transitioning into.

Alaska
DC
Political Make-up
Lean conservative
Strongly liberal
Local Politics
Focus on resource management and individual rights
Emphasis on civil liberties and social issues
Religion
Christian majority, with a significant number of people with no religious affiliation
Christian majority, but more diverse religious representation

In your move from Alaska to DC, you'll find the political atmosphere significantly more liberal, with a strong focus on civil liberties and social issues reflecting the diverse urban environment of the capital. This contrasts with Alaska's conservative leanings and emphasis on resource management and individualistic policies. Religious diversity is more pronounced in DC, offering a wide array of places of worship and communities for nearly every belief system, from historic churches to sizable synagogues and Islamic centers. Understanding these fundamental differences can help ease your transition and integrate you more smoothly into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to DC

Moving from Alaska to DC presents a unique opportunity for students and their families to explore diverse educational landscapes. To ease this transition, understanding the differences between your options is crucial. This comparison aims to identify the key differences in educational offerings between Alaska and DC , providing insight into where most seniors attend college, the top-rated schools, and leading school districts.

AlaskaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska Pacific University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Aurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Chugach Optional Elementary School (Anchorage)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary (Washington)
Eaton Elementary School (Washington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Rommig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mears Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (Washington)

Top 3 High School Schools

West High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Dimond High School (Anchorage)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
McKinley Technology High School (Washington)

Top 3 private high schools

Lumen Christi High School (Anchorage)
Grace Christian School (Anchorage)
Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage)
Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda)
The Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Pacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Waldorf School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)

Top 3 School Districts

Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
District of Columbia Public Schools
Capitol Hill Cluster School
Washington Latin Public Charter School

Within this table, it's evident that educational offerings in Alaska and DC vary significantly, especially when considering access to top-tier universities directly from high school. Notably, DC students have the unique advantage of proximity to prestigious institutions like Georgetown and George Washington University, which may influence college readiness and opportunities. Conversely, Alaska offers strong public and private K-12 education, with schools like West High School and Pacific Northern Academy standing out for their academic prowess. The difference in school district strengths also highlights the diverse educational landscapes, with Anchorage School District in Alaska providing expansive options across grades, while District of Columbia Public Schools offers vibrant educational opportunities in a dense urban setting. This comparison should serve as a starting point for families evaluating the best path for their educational journey in a new state.

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