Moving from Alaska to Washington
Moving from Alaska to Washington covers roughly 913 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 WA 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
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Washington are about 11% lower than in Alaska — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
A much warmer climate
Washington averages 21°F warmer than Alaska. Lighten your wardrobe, plan for air conditioning, and pace outdoor tasks on moving day.
Wetter climate
Washington gets about 22" more precipitation a year than Alaska. Waterproof gear and covered parking are worth having on arrival.
Your 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 Washington DMV, register to vote in WA, and set up your new utilities.
Free to use — $2.99 to print
Climate Comparison
Alaska
Subarctic climate with long, extremely cold winters and brief summers.
Washington
Marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Alaska
Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Alaska to Washington?
Alaska and Washington are approximately 913 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 Washington?
Shipping household goods to Washington 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 Washington?
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 Washington?
Alaska has a cost of living index of 129 versus 114.6 for Washington (US average = 100).
- Overall, Washington is about 11% lower than Alaska.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Washington?
After establishing residency in Washington, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Washington 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 Washington DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Washington?
Washington has marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
- The annual average temperature is 48°F, with about 38 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $114.