Best Illinois to Alaska Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to Alaska and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,013 mile IL to AK move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 120 Illinois to Alaska 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 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Alaska. 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 Illinois to Alaska Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
3A1 Movers, Inc9.349.57Authorized For HHG
4Murphy Family Movers9.309.35Authorized For Property, HHG
5The Moving Man7.818.91Authorized For HHG
6Air Van Moving6.806.98Authorized For Property
Phone (800) 787-5428
Illinois iconArrow iconAlaska icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alaska to Illinois guide.

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Compare the 6 Best IL to AK Movers

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

606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,042+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 13,660+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
2
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 683+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Murphy Family Movers Logo

Murphy Family Movers

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 1,145+ data points

4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C

St. Charles, IL, 60175

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
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
5
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
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 Illinois to Alaska

Moving from Illinois to Alaska involves a series of important decisions, where weighing the pros and cons is crucial. This comparison offers an honest reflection of what you'll gain and lose in your transition from Illinois to Alaska . You'll gain more than just a change in scenery.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • High property taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Hot summers
  • Lack of natural wonders
Alaska iconAlaska
  • No state income tax
  • Less crowded roads
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Spectacular landscapes
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Limited urban amenities
  • Fewer dining options
  • Remote locations
  • Limited cultural venues
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Vibrant city life
  • Access to diverse cuisine
  • Plenty of entertainment
  • Rich history and culture

Relocating to Alaska from a bustling state like Illinois presents unique opportunities and challenges. You’ll leave behind Illinois’s infamous high property taxes for Alaska’s appealing lack of a state income tax. This could provide more financial freedom, allowing you to explore the breathtaking wilderness of Denali National Park or the stunning fjords of Kenai Peninsula without budget concerns. However, while Illinois cities like Chicago offer rich cultural experiences and world-class dining options, Alaska’s remoteness can mean fewer dining choices and limited urban amenities. Still, the chance to embrace a slower pace of life and enjoy unique locations like Anchorage's Tony Knowles Coastal Trail could make this transition worthwhile for those seeking adventure and nature’s tranquility.

Illinois vs. Alaska Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Alaska will help you appreciate the diversity and richness of the food scene in your new home. Understanding the culinary landscape is key to immersing yourself in the local culture and lifestyle of where you are moving to.

Illinois
Alaska
Most iconic local food item
Deep Dish Pizza
Salmon
Most popular meat dish
Italian Beef
Reindeer Sausage
Most popular street food item
Chicago-style Hot Dog
King Crab Legs
Most popular vegan food
Chicago-style Vegan Deep Dish
Seaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • The Salmon Hookup
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Glacier Brewhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, particularly in Chicago, deep-dish pizza reigns supreme, a fact reflected in iconic eateries like Lou Malnati's. The city's street food scene is vibrant, with the Chicago-style hot dog being a must-try item. Conversely, Alaska offers a fresh take with local delicacies like salmon and reindeer sausage, celebrating its rich seafood and unique local meats. The food scene in Alaska, highlighted by establishments such as The Salmon Hookup, showcases the state's penchant for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Chicago or the scenic views of Alaska, the local cuisine is a window into the state’s soul, inviting newcomers to dive in and enjoy.

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Illinois vs. Alaska Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate factors between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between Illinois and Alaska focuses on vital housing aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle quality to ensure you're well-informed. Understanding these distinctions will make your transition smoother and more predictable.

Illinois
Alaska
Typical Architecture Style
Georgian and Prairie
Log Cabin and Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Hardwood floors, granite countertops
Wood stoves, scenic views

The housing landscape significantly differs between Illinois and Alaska, not just in terms of cost but also lifestyle and architecture. In Illinois, you might find the Georgian and Prairie-style homes charming, often listed with features like hardwood floors and granite countertops which reflect the state's urban qualities. Conversely, Alaska's real estate market leans towards the rugged and scenic, with log cabins often boasting wood stoves and breathtaking views, highlighting a lifestyle that's closely connected to nature. Moreover, while Illinois offers a more walkable and bikeable environment, particularly in urban areas, Alaska presents a unique living experience where both elements are less emphasized, signaling a trade-off between urban convenience and secluded, scenic living.

Illinois vs. Alaska Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding the weather differences between Illinois and Alaska is crucial. This comparison highlights what you might expect and how you can prepare for your new climate.

Illinois
Alaska
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Floods
Earthquakes, Avalanches
Air Quality
Generally Good
Varies widely by region, Generally Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 64°F
60°F / 44°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35°F / 22°F
20°F / -10°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

39 inches
22 inches
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

22 inches
75 inches (varies widely)


While both Illinois and Alaska experience a wide range of weather conditions, the key differences lie in the severity of winters and the amounts of sunshine and snowfall. Moving from Illinois, you'll find Alaska's summers cooler and the winters significantly colder and darker, but with a breathtakingly different kind of beauty. Illinois's more moderate climate, with its humid summers and chilly winters, contrasts Alaska's extreme conditions where daylight can stretch or shrink dramatically depending on the season. Adapting to these changes requires not only wardrobe adjustments but also an openness to experiencing nature in its most powerful forms.

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

When considering a move from Illinois to Alaska, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape you're transitioning into. This comparison will highlight key differences in money and finance between Illinois and Alaska, aiding you in preparing for this significant change.

Illinois
Alaska
Avg. Household Income
$76,708
$88,121
Cost of Living Index
94.25
132.6
State Income Tax
4.95
0
Avg. Property Tax
2.16
1.18
Avg. Sales Tax
8.82
1.76
Top 3 Industries
Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture
Oil, Fishing, Tourism
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
High
Moderate

While both Illinois and Alaska offer unique financial landscapes, there are notable differences. For example, despite Alaska's higher cost of living, primarily due to remote location and transportation costs, its households typically enjoy a higher average income. The absence of a state income tax in Alaska can offer significant savings, possibly balancing out the higher living expenses. Additionally, the top industries in Alaska, centered around natural resources, offer lucrative opportunities not found in Illinois. These factors contribute to Alaska's relatively high affluence and lower rates of poverty when compared to Illinois, though the cost implications of remote living should not be underestimated.

Illinois vs. Alaska Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick comparison of the politics between Illinois & Alaska to provide insights into the political and religious makeup of the states you are moving from and to. It aims to give you a snapshot of what to expect in these key areas.

Illinois
Alaska
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Republican
Local Politics
Diverse, urban areas more liberal
Local interests often focus on natural resources
Religion
Protestant, Catholic
Protestant, unaffiliated

In Illinois, you might be used to a more Democratic-leaning political environment, especially in urban areas like Chicago that tend to be more liberal. Conversely, Alaska's political climate is generally more Republican, with local politics heavily influenced by issues surrounding natural resources, such as oil and fishing. When it comes to religion, both states have a strong Protestant presence, but you'll find Illinois has a significant Catholic community as well, whereas Alaska has a higher percentage of residents identifying as unaffiliated with any religion. Understanding these nuances can help you better integrate into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Alaska

When contemplating a move from Illinois to Alaska, it’s crucial to understand how educational opportunities compare. This guide aims to highlight similarities and differences to help make a well-informed decision regarding school options in both states.

IllinoisAlaska

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska Pacific University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
Naperville; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago; Meadow Glens Elementary School
Naperville
Aurora Elementary School
Anchorage; Northern Lights ABC K-8 School
Anchorage; Aquarian Charter School
Anchorage

Top 3 Middle Schools

Wood Oaks Junior High School
Northbrook; Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove; Maple School
Northbrook
Mears Middle School
Anchorage; Gruening Middle School
Eagle River; Mirror Lake Middle School
Chugiak

Top 3 High School Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; New Trier High School
Winnetka
West High School
Anchorage; South Anchorage High School
Anchorage; Service High School
Anchorage

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago; North Shore Country Day
Winnetka; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Grace Christian School
Anchorage; Holy Rosary Academy
Anchorage; Anchorage Christian Schools
Anchorage

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest; Morgan Park Academy
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Pacific Northern Academy
Anchorage; Birchwood Christian School
Chugiak; Cook Inlet Academy
Soldotna

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township HSD 203
Northfield; Niles Township Community High School District 219
Skokie; Township High School District 214
Arlington Heights
Anchorage School District
Anchorage; Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Palmer; Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Soldotna

In comparing the education systems of Illinois and Alaska, significant contrasts emerge in terms of institutional prestige and geographic focus. Illinois's top colleges, such as the University of Chicago, are nationally renowned for their rigor and academic excellence. Alaska, meanwhile, offers strong programs through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage, which are tailored to regional needs and strengths, including Arctic research and indigenous studies. Elementary and secondary schooling in Illinois boasts highly rated institutions like Lincoln Elementary and Adlai E. Stevenson High School, reflecting the state's investment in quality education across various districts. Alaska's top schools, like West High School in Anchorage and Aurora Elementary, also provide excellent education but with a focus on small-class learning and community involvement, often integrating the state's unique cultural and environmental context into the curriculum.

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