Moving from Alaska to Colorado
Moving from Alaska to Colorado covers roughly 1,823 miles and starts with a decision most moves don't have: barge your household goods out of an Alaskan port, or drive the Alaska Highway south through Canada. This checklist covers both routes out, plus every other step.
Generate My ChecklistAK vs CO at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Freight shipping required; cost varies by cargo volume.
What This Move Means for You
Lower cost of living
Colorado is about 21% cheaper than Alaska overall, so your budget should stretch noticeably further — especially on housing.
New state income tax to plan for
Alaska has no state income tax, but Colorado's top rate is about 4.4%. Factor the change into your take-home pay and monthly budget.
A much warmer climate
Colorado averages 18°F warmer than Alaska. Lighten your wardrobe, plan for air conditioning, and pace outdoor tasks on moving day.
After You Arrive in Colorado
Get a Colorado driver license within 30 days of residency
You become a Colorado resident when you take a job here or own or run a business here. You also become a resident after you live here 90 days in a row. After that, you have 30 days to transfer your driver license. You have 90 days to register your vehicle.
Source: Colorado DMV, Welcome to ColoradoMake an appointment for the license
Every applicant needs an appointment at a driver license office. Bring your identification and proof of address documents. Bring your out-of-state license, valid or expired less than one year. A driving record dated within 30 days also works. The office punches a hole in your old license. You may have to take tests.
Source: Colorado DMV, Welcome to ColoradoPass an emissions test before you register the vehicle
You need the test if you live in a designated emissions county. Vehicles seven model years old or newer do not need it. The counties are Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson, plus parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationTitle and register the vehicle at your county motor vehicle office
First, get a VIN verification on form DR 2698. Law enforcement, a Colorado dealer, or an emissions station can do it. Then go in person to the county motor vehicle office where you live. State driver license offices do not register vehicles. Bring the out-of-state title. If a lender holds it, bring your most recent out-of-state registration and the lender's name and address. Also bring proof of Colorado insurance, your ID, and form DR 2504 with a proof of residency.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationExpect a vehicle tax based on the original price
The largest part of the registration cost is the Specific Ownership Tax. For most passenger vehicles, the taxable value is 85 percent of the original MSRP. The rate starts at 2.1 percent of that value in the first year and drops as the vehicle ages. Fees also vary by county. You cannot register without proof of Colorado insurance. The minimum is $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Source: Colorado DMV, Taxes and FeesRegister to vote, and check the 22-day rule
To vote in a Colorado election, you must live here for the 22 days right before it. Register online at GoVoteColorado.gov through the 8th day before Election Day. You need a Colorado driver license or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. After that day, register in person at a voter service and polling center in your county. You can do this through Election Day.
Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Voter Registration FAQsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
Book barge space out of Anchorage or Whittier several weeks ahead, or plan the drive south through Yukon and British Columbia. If you drive, every passenger needs a passport, and winter departures mean checking road conditions daily.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Colorado DMV, register to vote in CO, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Alaska
Subarctic climate with long, extremely cold winters and brief summers.
Colorado
Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Alaska
Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Alaska to Colorado?
Alaska and Colorado are approximately 1,823 miles apart as the crow flies.
- Because the route crosses water, you will need to ship your belongings by freight rather than driving a moving truck.
How much does it cost to move from Alaska to Colorado?
Shipping household goods to Colorado requires freight transport.
- Costs typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on cargo volume and carrier, and do not follow the seasonal pricing patterns of truck moves.
How do I ship my belongings to Colorado?
You have two options.
- Barge service runs between Tacoma and Alaskan ports such as Anchorage and Whittier, typically taking one to two weeks door to door.
- Alternatively you can drive the Alaska Highway through British Columbia and Yukon with a rental truck or trailer — several days on the road, and everyone in the vehicle needs a passport to cross into Canada.
- Compare both; the barge is usually simpler, the drive is sometimes cheaper for a small load.
What is the cost of living difference between Alaska and Colorado?
Alaska has a cost of living index of 129 versus 101.8 for Colorado (US average = 100).
- Overall, Colorado is about 21% lower than Alaska.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Colorado?
After establishing residency in Colorado, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Colorado DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Colorado DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Colorado?
Colorado has semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
- The annual average temperature is 45°F, with about 17 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $101.