Best Alaska to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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AK to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state is an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life, filled with opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind the rugged, majestic landscapes of The Last Frontier for the sun-soaked beaches and bustling cities of The Golden State presents a stark contrast in lifestyle and scenery. To ensure this significant journey unfolds smoothly, it's crucial to entrust your move to trusted and reliable professional movers, like us at Great Guys Moving, where we've perfected the art of identifying the best movers through an unbiased ranking algorithm.

Alaska iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Alaska to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
The Moving Man7.80A+Authorized For HHGContact
Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc.6.93NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Air Van Moving6.80NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Royal Alaskan Movers6.45A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Alaska guide.

6 Best AK to CA Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
The Moving Man Logo
Good7.80/10
based on 232+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • Local Commercial Moving
  • Out-of-State Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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
3
Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc. Logo
6.93/10
based on 45+ data points

About Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc.

Having been in the vehicle transportation business since 1951, Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc. is a pioneer in the industry in Alaska. With te...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

125137 / 118208

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved450,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Air Van Moving Logo
6.80/10
based on 40+ data points

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, across the country, or...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving
  • Long-Distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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
5
Royal Alaskan Movers Logo
6.45/10
based on 338+ data points

About Royal Alaskan Movers

Royal Alaskan Movers is a professional moving company that has been serving clients in Anchorage, Alaska, and its surrounding areas since 20...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2077580 / FF-10566 725677

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved92,150 (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 Alaska to California

Moving from Alaska to California represents a significant lifestyle change. This guide provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of such a relocation, assisting you in weighing the cons against the pros and vice versa. By understanding both sides, you can make an informed decision about this life-changing move.

CONs
PROs
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Harsh winters
  • Remote locations
  • Limited nightlife
  • Costly groceries
  • Less job diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Urban conveniences
  • Vibrant social scene
  • Diverse markets
  • Varied job markets
California iconCalifornia
  • Urban crowding
  • Noisy environments
  • Fewer wildlife opportunities
  • Less open space
  • Social anonymity
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Natural beauty
  • Quiet living
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Community closeness

Moving from the vast, snow-capped mountains and serene landscapes of Alaska to the sunny shores and bustling cities of California brings about a world of change. In California, you're likely to experience a vibrant social scene with numerous opportunities for dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. For instance, Los Angeles alone boasts renowned sites like Universal Studios Hollywood, alongside a diverse culinary scene that spans from Grand Central Market in downtown LA to the seaside restaurants of Santa Monica. However, it's also important to note the shift from Alaska's tight-knit communities to California's more anonymous social landscape, where urban crowding can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnection. This transition may require adjustments, but for many, the trade-offs are well worth the new opportunities and lifestyle that California offers.

Alaska vs. California Food Guide

Food is an integral aspect of local culture and provides insight into what life is like in any given area. To help you adapt more seamlessly to your new surroundings, we have created a comparison of the local cuisine between Alaska & California, two states with distinct food scenes, so you can be better informed about where you are moving to.

AlaskaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabAvocado Toast
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageTri-tip
Most popular street food itemHalibut TacosFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladVegetarian Burrito
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • 49th State Brewing Co
  • Snow City Cafe
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Nopa
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In transitioning from Alaska to California, you'll notice a significant shift in the food landscape. Alaska's cuisine is rich with seafood offerings like King Crab and Halibut Tacos, reflecting its extensive coastline and fishing culture. You can find these specialties at places like Simon & Seafort's in Anchorage. Meanwhile, California offers a diverse palette from the iconic Avocado Toast to a myriad of vegan options, with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients. The food truck scene is vibrant, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where you can enjoy everything from Fish Tacos to Gourmet Vegetarian Burritos. Establishments like In-N-Out Burger showcase the fast-casual culture that's unique to California. This culinary journey will be an exciting aspect of your move, with each state offering distinctive flavors that cater to a variety of dietary preferences and lifestyles.

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Alaska vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Understanding the differences in real estate between Alaska and California is critical for a smooth transition. This comparison highlights key aspects like housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle in Alaska and California, aiding in making an informed decision for your move.

ComparisonAlaskaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleCabin & RusticSpanish & Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingNatural viewsClimate, Tech amenities

When examining the housing aspects from the chart, it's evident that California offers a more urban lifestyle with a higher score in walkability, bikeability, and urbanity compared to Alaska. This reflects California's densely populated cities and extensive infrastructure. However, this urban lifestyle comes at a cost, with California's median home price and monthly rent significantly higher than Alaska's. While Alaska provides a more rustic and cabin-style architecture, embracing its natural landscapes, California presents a variety of architectural designs including the prevalent Spanish and modern styles, particularly noted in areas like Los Angeles and San Diego. This contrast not only signifies the aesthetic differences but also the lifestyle and priorities of residents in each state.

Alaska vs. California Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Alaska to California, it's crucial to understand how the weather will compare to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will help you adjust better to your new environment. Alaska and California have distinct climates, making this information vital for anyone making the move.

Summer icon
60°F / 44°F

Alaska

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
20°F / -10°F

Alaska

60°F / 45°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
30-70 (varies by region)

Alaska

22 (varies greatly by region)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
60-200 (varies by region)

Alaska

0-200 (primarily in mountain areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonAlaskaCalifornia
Air QualityGoodVaries widely
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, Volcanic EruptionsEarthquakes, Wildfires, Mudslides
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Alaska to California brings significant weather changes, including warmer summers and milder winters in California. You'll experience more sunny days, which might be a welcome change or require an adjustment in your daily sunscreen routine due to California's higher UV index. Air quality in California can vary significantly than in Alaska, depending on your location, especially in urban areas where smog is more common. Allergies may also shift, with different allergens prevalent in California. Moreover, while both states experience natural disasters like earthquakes, California also faces seasonal wildfires and mudslides, requiring different preparation and awareness. These weather conditions directly affect lifestyle decisions, from clothing choices to selecting the right home location.

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

When making a big move from one state to another, like from Alaska to California, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This includes knowing differences in cost of living , taxation rates , and the overall economic landscape you'll be stepping into.

ComparisonAlaskaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$88,121$91,551
Cost of Living Index132.6136.4
State Income Tax0Up to 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax1.180.77
Avg. Sales TaxNone (local rates vary)7.25 (local rates may add up to 10.25%)
Top 3 IndustriesOil & Gas, Fishing, TourismTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceComfortableVaried
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessModerateSignificant

The switch from Alaska to California brings notable financial contrasts. While the average household income is marginally higher in California, the cost of living and the state income tax rates markedly surpass those in Alaska. It's important to prepare for these changes, especially the stark difference in housing affordability and the tax burden, which can impact your financial planning. The diverse economic landscape in California, powered by technology, agriculture, and entertainment, offers vast employment opportunities, contrasting Alaska's reliance on natural resources such as oil and gas, fishing, and tourism. Understanding these shifts will help you make informed decisions and transition smoothly.

Alaska vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

In planning your move from Alaska to California, it's crucial to understand the differences in the local communities you'll be joining. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Alaska & California , offering a quick glimpse into the political and religious makeup of these two diverse states.

AlaskaCalifornia
Political Make-upMixed, leans conservativeLeans liberal
Local PoliticsCommunity-driven initiativesState-wide policies and reforms
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse faiths presentReligious diversity, with a significant number of non-religious residents

In Alaska, the political scene tends to lean conservative but showcases a mix that includes both Democrats and Republicans, especially apparent in local governance where community-driven initiatives are significant. The religious landscape is predominantly Christian, yet it encompasses a broad spectrum of faiths. Conversely, California is known for its liberal leanings, with state-wide policies and reforms reflecting this political ideology. The state is distinguished by its religious diversity and has a substantial population of non-religious residents, contributing to its broad cultural tapestry. This blend of politics and religion shapes the community atmosphere and social policies, thus affecting your day-to-day life in your new state.

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to California

When planning a move from Alaska to California, understanding the educational landscape is crucial for families. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in educational options, helping you to make informed decisions for your children's schooling. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Alaska and California.

AlaskaCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of California
Los Angeles
University of Southern California
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Aurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Watershed Charter School - Fairbanks
Point Vicente Elementary - Rancho Palos Verdes
Millbrook Elementary - San Jose
Westlake Elementary - Santa Cruz

Top 3 Middle Schools

Romig Middle School - Anchorage
Goldenview Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Henry M. Gunn High School - Palo Alto
Miller Middle School - San Jose
Carmel Valley Middle School - San Diego

Top 3 High School Schools

West High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School - Anchorage
Eagle River High School - Eagle River
Troy High School - Fullerton
Henry M. Gunn High School - Palo Alto
California Academy of Mathematics and Science - Carson

Top 3 private high schools

Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Harvard-Westlake School - Studio City
Phillips Academy Andover - Andover
The Harker School - San Jose

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Pacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Anchorage Waldorf School - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
The Nueva School - Hillsborough
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences - Santa Monica
The Webb Schools - Claremont

Top 3 School Districts

Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Los Angeles Unified School District
San Diego Unified School District
San Francisco Unified School District

Moving from Alaska to California introduces you to a diverse and expansive educational landscape. In California, you'll find a broader selection of prestigious universities like Stanford University and the University of Southern California, which attract students globally. For those considering private education, California's options are notable, including The Harker School in San Jose, known for its rigorous academic program. School districts in California, such as Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified, cover vast areas offering a wide array of programs reflecting the state's diverse population. Overall, the transition from Alaska to California education presents new opportunities and challenges, making it imperative to research and visit potential schools to find the best fit for your family.

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