Best California to Alaska Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Alaska and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,361 mile CA to AK move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 292 California to Alaska moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California 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.
Best California to Alaska Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | The Moving Man | 7.80 | 8.91 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Air Van Moving | 6.80 | 6.98 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alaska to California guide.
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from California to Alaska
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular California to Alaska Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best CA to AK Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
The Moving Man
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 807379 / 359080 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 55,000 (2018) |
Air Van Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 125012 / 118474 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
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.
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 California to Alaska
Moving from one state to another can be a daunting task, especially when the landscapes and lifestyles are as different as California to Alaska . This comparison aims to give an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh your options carefully.
California- High cost of living
- Crowded cities
- Traffic congestion
- Intense heatwaves
Alaska- Lower cost of living
- Spacious landscapes
- Fewer traffic issues
- Cooler climate
Alaska- Less entertainment
- More limited dining
- No beaches
- Less diversity
California- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse cuisine
- Beach access
- Cultural diversity
While the bustling cities of California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, offer vibrant nightlife and an impressive array of world-class restaurants like Nobu and The French Laundry, Alaska's vast landscapes provide a different kind of appeal. Cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks might not match California's urban centers in terms of entertainment and dining options, yet they boast breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation unlike anywhere in the Lower 48. Also noteworthy is Alaska's cost of living, which is significantly lower than California's, particularly when it comes to housing and utilities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a respite from California's high expenses. However, it's essential to prepare for the colder climate and the possibility of feeling isolated given Alaska's remote location and smaller population.
California vs. Alaska Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and everyday life. As you prepare to move, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with what you'll be eating. Here, we present a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Alaska to give you a taste of the culinary landscape awaiting you.
| California | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | California Roll | King Crab |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip steak | Reindeer sausage |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Halibut fish and chips |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado toast | Vegan berry cobbler |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the food scene is as diverse as its landscape, featuring everything from the classic California Roll in sushi bars across Los Angeles to the savory tri-tip steak more common in the central coast. Tacos reign supreme as a go-to street food, found in bustling cities like San Francisco and San Diego. For those leading a plant-based lifestyle, avocado toast epitomizes Californian vegan cuisine, easily found in cafes and restaurants from the north down to the southern border. Notable dining experiences include The French Laundry, a pinnacle of fine dining in Yountville, N/Naka in Los Angeles for exquisite Japanese Kaiseki, and the historic Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood. In contrast, Alaska offers a rich seafood-based diet with King Crab and halibut fish and chips standing out as local favorites. The state's colder climate lends itself to hearty dishes such as reindeer sausage, with vegan options leaning towards the natural sweetness of local berries. Simon & Seafort's in Anchorage, Talkeetna Roadhouse, and The Crabby Patty showcase the unique flavors and hospitality that make Alaska's culinary scene memorable.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Alaska Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate constitutes a pivotal element when undertaking the journey from one state to another. Understanding the nuances between California and Alaska regarding housing aspects—such as cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle compatibility—will enormously assist in making an informed decision. Let’s dive into how these two states compare to ensure your move aligns with your residential preferences and needs.
| Comparison | California | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish Revival | Log Cabin, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, Solar panels | Proximity to nature, Energy efficiency |
When considering a move from California to Alaska, it's evident that the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is significantly lower in Alaska. However, this comes with certain trade-offs. For example, while California boasts a higher walkability and bikeability score, indicating an ease of access to amenities and a more urban lifestyle, Alaska offers a different kind of value with its close proximity to nature and emphasis on energy efficiency. The typical architecture also diverges considerably, with California homes featuring modern and Spanish Revival styles, whereas Alaska favours log cabin designs alongside modern touches. Knowing these differences can play a crucial role in preparing for what to expect and making the adjustment smoother as you transition to your new home.
California vs. Alaska Weather Considerations
Moving from one place to another brings about significant changes, especially in terms of weather. If you're considering a move from California to Alaska, it’s crucial to grasp how the weather conditions will contrast with what you're accustomed to.
California
Alaska
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Alaska
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Alaska
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Alaska
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Earthquakes, Avalanches |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Understanding the weather disparities between California and Alaska is pivotal when preparing for your move. California offers a warmer climate with more days of sunshine and relatively mild winters compared to Alaska. In contrast, Alaska experiences much colder temperatures, especially in winter, with less sunshine throughout the year and higher overall humidity levels. Additionally, the variation in natural disasters, from earthquakes and wildfires in California to earthquakes and avalanches in Alaska, necessitates different preparedness approaches. Considering these factors will help you adjust more easily to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Alaska
When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial environment will compare. In this case, we're looking at what to expect when moving from California to Alaska, focusing on various money and finance-related metrics to give you a clearer picture of the change. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities in economic factors between these two distinct states.
| Comparison | California | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $88,121 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 132.6 |
| State Income Tax | 1% - 13.3% | 0% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.77% | 1.18% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.25% | 1.76% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture | Oil, Fishing, Tourism |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | High | Lower |
While both California and Alaska offer unique opportunities and challenges, understanding financial aspects like income, taxes, and cost of living are pivotal. Although the average household income in California is slightly higher, the lack of state income tax in Alaska can offer a financial advantage. Additionally, Alaska's lower cost of living index signals more affordable living expenses compared to California's notably high index. Despite the allure of California's tech and entertainment industries, Alaska's prominence in oil, fishing, and tourism offers economic vitality coupled with a moderate affluence level. Considering these aspects can guide your preparation and expectations for a smoother transition.
California vs. Alaska Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison between California & Alaska provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents, helping you understand the significant differences in the communities you're moving from and to.
| California | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Mixed, with a lean towards Conservative/Republican |
| Local Politics | Los Angeles City Politics, Progressive | Anchorage Municipal Government, Varied ideologies |
| Religion | Diverse, with no single majority | Christianity predominant, diverse religious views |
Transitioning from California to Alaska, you'll move from a state with a broad, liberal political landscape to one where political opinions are more mixed, and conservative views have a stronger presence. Local politics in cities like Los Angeles are markedly progressive compared to those in Anchorage, where policies and political views can vary significantly. Despite these differences, both states celebrate religious diversity, with Christianity being more predominant in Alaska. Understanding these aspects will help you better acclimate to your new home.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Alaska
When making the significant move from California to Alaska, understanding educational opportunities is crucial for families and students. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in school options between California and Alaska, providing a clearer picture for those transitioning. Through this, we hope to ease your decision-making process regarding your or your children's education.
| California | Alaska |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of California campuses Stanford University California State University campusesUniversity of Alaska Anchorage University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Pacific University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Chaparral Elementary (Cupertino) Ocean Air (San Diego) Sage Canyon (San Diego)Aurora Elementary (Anchorage) Northern Lights ABC (Anchorage) Scenic Park Elementary (Anchorage) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Miller (San Jose) Joaquin Miller Middle (San Jose) Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego)Romig Middle School (Anchorage) Mears Middle School (Anchorage) Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak) | |
Top 3 High Schools Henry M. Gunn (Palo Alto) Lynbrook High (San Jose) Palo Alto High (Palo Alto)West High School (Anchorage) South Anchorage High (Anchorage) Dimond High (Anchorage) | |
Top 3 private high schools The Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles) Marlborough School (Los Angeles)Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage) Grace Christian School (Anchorage) Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Castilleja School (Palo Alto) Crossroads School (Santa Monica)Pacific Northern Academy (Anchorage) Anchorage Waldorf School (Anchorage) Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Francisco Unified Los Angeles Unified San Diego UnifiedAnchorage School District Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Fairbanks North Star Borough School District | |
Examining the educational landscapes of both California and Alaska reveals distinct differences. For instance, while California is known for its prestigious universities and competitive private schools like The Harker School in San Jose and Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles, Alaska offers a more intimate educational environment with schools such as Anchorage Christian Schools and the University of Alaska Anchorage. The top public schools in both states, such as Henry M. Gunn High in Palo Alto and West High School in Anchorage, showcase strong academic programs, but the atmosphere and community can vary greatly due to the significant differences in size and cultural influences between the two states. This comparison underscores the importance of personal preferences in education environments when making a move between these diverse locations.
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