Best Alaska to Washington Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Alaska to Washington and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,681 mile AK to WA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 112 Alaska to Washington 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 Seattle Moves & More), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Alaska compared to Washington. 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 Washington Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Seattle Moves & More9.569.39Authorized For HHG
2John Volken Academy Movers9.349.65Authorized 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 iconWashington icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to Alaska guide.

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Compare the 6 Best AK to WA Movers

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

S

Seattle Moves & More

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,099+ data points

4601 Shilshole Ave NW

Seattle, WA, 98107

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its...

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
John Volken Academy Movers Logo

John Volken Academy Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,485+ data points

921 Central Ave N

Kent, WA, 98032

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
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 Washington

When relocating from Alaska to Washington, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of such a move. This comparison provides an honest reflection of your journey from Alaska to Washington , highlighting the good alongside the bad to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Isolation
  • Limited dining options
  • Higher living costs
  • Sparse amenities
Washington iconWashington
  • Moderate climate
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse cuisine
  • More job opportunities
  • Ample recreational facilities
Washington iconWashington
  • Less untouched nature
  • More urban wildlife
  • Less cultural novelty
  • Higher traffic congestion
  • More regulated activities
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Scenic wilderness
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Unique culture
  • Low population density
  • Adventure activities

Transitioning from Alaska's distinct features to Washington's vibrant life, you'll benefit from the bustling cityscapes and modern conveniences of places like Seattle and Tacoma. Renowned restaurants in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill offer world-class dining experiences that vastly differ from the more limited options up north. Additionally, recreational areas like Discovery Park provide beautiful retreats without the extreme isolation found in much of Alaska. While you may miss the untouched wilderness and thrilling adventures of Denali National Park, Washington offers its own mix of natural beauty and urban attractions, striking a balance that many find appealing.

Alaska vs. Washington Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Alaska & Washington—a facet integral to understanding what it's like to live in these areas. By examining the food scenes, you’ll get a sense of the cultural flavors that define each state, making your transition smoother and tastier.

Alaska
Washington
Most iconic local food item
King Crab
Salmon
Most popular meat dish
Reindeer Sausage
Teriyaki
Most popular street food item
Akutaq
Taco Trucks
Most popular vegan food
Seaweed
Phở Chay
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
  • 49th State Brewing Co
  • Glacier Brewhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Alaska, the culinary scene is uniquely influenced by its geography and native heritage, prominently featuring seafood like King Crab and innovative dishes such as Akutaq, also known as Eskimo ice cream. Among the top eateries, Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill and the 49th State Brewing Co offer glimpses into the local flavors and culinary innovation. Moving to Washington, you'll notice an emphasis on sustainability and a diverse culinary scene marked by Asian influences, like the ubiquitous Teriyaki joints and vegan-friendly venues offering dishes such as Phở Chay. Significant neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill in Seattle are brimming with food trucks, artisan cafes, and restaurants like Canlis and Pike Place Chowder, showcasing the state's rich gastronomic culture and commitment to quality and variety.

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Alaska vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, comparing Alaska to Washington real estate is crucial for finding your perfect home. Understanding the differences in housing costs, styles, and livability will help you make an informed decision.

Alaska
Washington
Typical Architecture Style
Cabin and Ranch
Contemporary and Craftsman
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Views, Privacy
Eco-friendly, Tech-ready

In comparing Alaska and Washington housing, you'll find factors such as cost and lifestyle contrasting sharply. Alaska's real estate often highlights the beauty and seclusion of its natural landscapes, with homes that provide stunning views and privacy. On the other hand, Washington's market appeals to those looking for a more urban and eco-conscious living environment, offering contemporary homes that are both tech-friendly and closer to urban centers. Transitioning from Alaska to Washington, you'll notice a shift towards a higher cost of living but also gain access to more walkable and bikeable communities, reflecting Washington's commitment to sustainability and modern living standards.

Alaska vs. Washington Weather Considerations

If you're moving from one location to another, understanding the climatic differences is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the weather variations between Alaska and Washington , enabling you to prepare for your new environment more effectively.

Alaska
Washington
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Earthquakes
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Landslides
Air Quality
Good
Variable
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

60-80°F / 40-55°F
75-85°F / 50-60°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

0-30°F / -20-20°F
45-55°F / 35-45°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22"
38"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

75"
20"


While the average number of sunshine days per year is comparable between Alaska and Washington, other weather aspects differ significantly. Alaska offers a colder environment with longer, harsher winters and substantial snowfall, ideal for enthusiasts of winter sports and cold weather activities. In contrast, Washington experiences milder winters, greater rainfall, and a higher chance of natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. Both states have their own unique challenges and perks when it comes to weather, so it's worth considering your preferences and preparedness for these conditions.

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

When planning a move from Alaska to Washington, it's crucial to understand how your finances will be impacted. This comparison sheds light on important money and finance aspects to consider. Comparing Alaska and Washington is vital to grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and job opportunities might change, influencing your decision and preparation for the move.

Alaska
Washington
Avg. Household Income
$88,121
$91,306
Cost of Living Index
132.6
104.1
State Income Tax
0%
0%
Avg. Property Tax
1.19%
0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax
1.76%
9.17%
Top 3 Industries
Oil, Fishing, Tourism
Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture
Affluence
Moderately affluent
Highly affluent
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
High
Very High

Moving from Alaska to Washington introduces several financial changes. The average household income is slightly higher in Washington, which might balance out its lower average cost of living index. However, the significantly higher average sales tax in Washington could impact your day-to-day expenses, particularly because Alaska enjoys a much lower rate. Property taxes in Washington are also lower, which could be beneficial if you're planning to buy a home. The stark difference in top industries between the two states suggests a potential shift in job opportunities or sectors you might consider for employment. Washington's thriving technology and aerospace sectors contrast with Alaska's reliance on oil and fishing, potentially requiring a shift in career focus or necessitating new skills.

Alaska vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison

Preparing to move from Alaska to Washington involves understanding the new community you're about to join. This quick comparison provides an insight into the politics between Alaska & Washington , offering a glimpse into the political and religious makeup of these states. It's a handy guide to help you familiarize yourself with the landscape of your new home.

Alaska
Washington
Political Make-up
Lean Conservative
Lean Liberal
Local Politics
Libertarian influences
Progressive influences
Religion
Christianity predominant
More religious diversity

In moving from Alaska to Washington, you'll notice a significant shift in the political landscape. Alaska tends to lean conservative, with libertarian influences evident in local politics, while Washington presents a more liberal, progressive environment. This might influence not just the public policies but also the community projects and priorities in your new locale. On the religious front, Alaska has a predominantly Christian population, but in Washington, you'll encounter a broader spectrum of religious beliefs and practices, reflecting its diverse population. This makes for a richer cultural tapestry and could provide more opportunities for you to engage with a variety of cultural and faith communities.

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Washington

Moving to a new state can be an exciting venture, especially when it involves transitioning from Alaska to Washington. To help ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison chart focused on the educational landscape between these two states. The purpose of this comparison is to better understand the differences between school options in Alaska and Washington . This overview will aid in making informed decisions for your family’s education journey.

AlaskaWashington

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Aurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Rogers Park Elementary (Anchorage)
Cascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Challenger Elementary (Issaquah)
Discovery Elementary (Gig Harbor)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Romig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mears Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)
International School (Bellevue)
Environmental & Adventure School (Kirkland)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)

Top 3 High Schools

West High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Dimond High School (Anchorage)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)

Top 3 private high schools

Grace Christian School (Anchorage)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Preparatory School (Seattle)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage)
Lumen Christi High School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)
Charles Wright Academy (Tacoma)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)

Top 3 School Districts

Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Lake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District

While both Alaska and Washington boast robust educational systems, there are distinctive characteristics worth noting. For instance, Washington State offers a wide range of highly rated public schools, particularly in the Bellevue and Issaquah areas, recognized for their innovative programs and high academic achievement. Similarly, the private schooling sector in Washington, with institutions like Lakeside School and The Overlake School, presents excellent options for personalized and advanced education. In contrast, Alaska provides unique opportunities tied to its local culture and environment, influencing the curriculum and extracurricular activities available to students. Selecting the right educational path involves considering these distinct educational landscapes and how they align with your family's needs and aspirations.

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