Why Move to Alaska from California?
Californians love to surf the beautiful beaches and enjoy the California sun, but Alaska has its own wonders too, such as offering picturesque views, a slower lifestyle, and a cheap standard of living. If you’re planning on moving to Alaska from California, you are not the only one! A lot of individuals are switching states to get away from the extremities of heat, veneration, and exceedingly high charges for residing.
Regardless, Alaskans experience beautiful landscapes, modest housing prices, and a distinct lack of taxes on income. This change does require some extensive planning, though, on account of the distance between the two states, the differences in weather, and the difficulties that come with moving to a more remote locale. The advantages of moving to Alaska from California outweigh the disadvantages, even though it is a big shift to make.
Planning Your Move: Key Considerations
1. Selecting Your Means Of Relocation
There are three primary modes of travel from California to Alaska: by road, sea, or air.
a. Driving: If you want to take a road trip, you can conquer the Alaska Highway, which passes through Canada. The journey is famous for its scenic views, but it does require a lot of planning on account of the weather, fuel, and other factors like obstacles that can hinder your route.
b. Shipping Your Belongings: If you want to avoid driving, you can also use shipping services to send your belongings. Shipping ports found in Seattle or Tacoma allow you to send items to Alaskan cities, including Anchorage.
c. Flights: When one plans to travel Alaska, there are plenty of options to consider, but what stands out are the airlines from California. They have direct flights to Alaska, and one can also choose to ship their belongings separately. This can save you some time. Make sure to do thorough research before moving out, as it helps out a lot during the transition.
2. Understanding Alaska’s Climate and Lifestyle
Alaska is set up for people with an active lifestyle as it sustains multiple temperatures across its regions. For instance, in the winter, the temperature ranges between 50 degrees, and Alaska is known for its amusing hot summers.
Cost of Living: How Does Alaska Compare to California?
One of the biggest reasons people consider moving to Alaska from California is the difference in living costs.
1. Taxes
Unlike California, Alaska lacks a state income tax and a sales tax, allowing for better savings.
2. Utilities and Groceries
Given that Alaska exports many of its goods, prices for groceries and various other utilities tend to be more expensive. But the tax and housing cost advantages often outweigh these expenses.
3. Jobs and Wages
A few opportunities exist in oil, fishing, tourism, and healthcare. However, pay tends to be location- and profession-specific.
Those who are moving to Alaska from California for economic reasons should weigh the costs and potential earnings before making the leap.
How to Transport Your Items to Alaska
1. Hiring a Moving Company
For those less inclined to deal with the minutiae of a move, especially one that is a long-distance one, long-distance movers that specifically operate in Alaska could be ideal. A professional mover, like Safeway Moving, that drives through Canada, can take care of the logistics and customs alongside the transportation of the delicate goods.
2. What to Pack for Alaska?
Snowy climates call for changes to one’s personal and household paraphernalia, so prepare yourself accordingly with these prerequisites:
a. Thermal wear and insulated winter jackets, gloves, boots, and goggles.
b. Survival kits with food, water, and other resources will suffice in case of an emergency, especially if one is driving.
c. The need to add on extra heating solutions is imperative, as some winters in Alaska can be quite unforgiving.
Following these instructions, one can move from California to Alaska without many hassles.
Adjusting To Life in Alaska
1. Choosing The Best Location
From the Anchorage metropolitan region to more remote and less equipped regions, Alaska has varying communities to offer. Explore various towns and cities to identify what best aligns to your interests and amends your way of living.
2. Adapting to the Alaskan Way of Life
Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Alaska Right for You?
The cost varies depending on transportation methods. A full-service moving company can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. DIY moves with rental trucks or shipping containers may be cheaper but require more effort.
The cheapest way to move belongings to Alaska is via freight shipping or rental moving containers. Many people also use barge services from Seattle to reduce costs. If you have minimal items, shipping through postal or courier services may be more affordable.
Alaska can be expensive due to higher grocery and utility costs, but housing and tax savings help balance expenses. Many residents benefit from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which provides an annual cash payment to eligible Alaskans.
