Best Pennsylvania to Alaska Movers and Practical Moving Guide

Get a Quote Now!

PA to AK Moving Specialists

Moving from the Keystone State to The Last Frontier represents an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life, filled with unique landscapes and communities. Leaving behind Pennsylvania's historic charm and bustling cities for Alaska's majestic wilderness and serene beauty is no small decision. To ensure this significant transition unfolds smoothly, it's critical to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we utilize an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers for your long-distance journey, ensuring your adventure starts on the right foot.

Pennsylvania iconArrow iconAlaska icon

Best Pennsylvania to Alaska Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pittsburgh Moving9.62NRAuthorized For HHGContact
EverSafe Moving Co.9.50A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC9.49A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC9.47NRAuthorized For HHGContact
The Moving Man7.80A+Authorized For HHGContact
Wrightway Auto Carriers, Inc.6.93NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alaska to Pennsylvania guide.

6 Best PA to AK Moving Companies

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

Pittsburgh Moving Logo
Exceptional9.62/10
based on 1,264+ data points

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...Read More >>

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
EverSafe Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,941+ data points

About EverSafe Moving Co.

Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to its team of ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-distance Movers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261303 / 771755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.49/10
based on 755+ data points

About Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal is a BBB-accredited moving company in Mechanicsburg that services Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and all surround...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & long-distance moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Labor-only moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3011826 / 59310

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
S
Exceptional9.47/10
based on 699+ data points

About Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC

Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC is a family-owned and operated business that offers various moving and storage solutions in Southea...Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential & Commercial Relocation
  • Packing & Crating

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3375156 / 1082634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
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
5
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
6
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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 Pennsylvania to Alaska

Moving from one state to another can be a monumental decision that encompasses both exciting opportunities and notable drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska , weighing the cons against the pros and vice versa, to give you a clear picture of what to expect. Let's dive into the specifics.

CONs
PROs
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher taxes
  • Crowded cities
  • Hot summers
  • Less wildlife
  • Lower average salaries
Alaska iconAlaska
  • No state income tax
  • Vast open spaces
  • Cooler climate
  • Diverse wildlife
  • Higher paying jobs
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Isolation
  • Limited cultural events
  • Healthcare access challenges
  • Reliance on personal vehicles
  • Higher cost of living
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Diverse culture
  • Accessible healthcare
  • Extensive public transit
  • More affordable housing

Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska brings with it a dramatic change in lifestyle and surroundings. In Pennsylvania, you might be used to the vibrant history of Philadelphia, where the Independence National Historical Park and the bustling Reading Terminal Market offer rich cultural experiences. Alaska, by contrast, presents a stunning backdrop of natural beauty, from the serene waters of Glacier Bay National Park to the majestic peaks of Denali. While Pennsylvania’s urban centers like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are replete with restaurants, museums, and parks, Alaska offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and embracing a more secluded lifestyle. The adjustment from Pennsylvania's dense urban environments to Alaska's expansive wilderness provides a unique set of challenges but also opens the door to a lifestyle deeply connected to nature's rhythms.

Pennsylvania vs. Alaska Food Guide

Food serves as a cultural beacon, highlighting what life is like in different areas. By comparing the local cuisine between Pennsylvania & Alaska , you will be better informed about the food landscape awaiting you in your new home. This comparison underscores the diversity and richness of local foods, assisting you in navigating your culinary journey post-move.

PennsylvaniaAlaska
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakAlaskan Salmon
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautKing Crab Legs
Most popular street food itemPretzelsReindeer Sausage
Most popular vegan foodMushroom SoupSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
  • The French Laundry
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Snow City Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Pennsylvania, the Philly Cheesesteak reigns supreme, a must-try for newcomers, best enjoyed in the vibrant neighborhood of South Philly. Mushroom Soup shines as the option for vegans, with places like Zahav offering innovative takes on traditional dishes. Meanwhile, in Alaska, the culinary scene is deeply connected to its natural resources, with Alaskan Salmon and King Crab Legs topping the food charts. Anchorage's downtown, especially around 4th Avenue, is a hub for trying local delicacies such as Reindeer Sausage from street vendors, offering a palpable taste of the state's wild and rugged character.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Pennsylvania vs. Alaska Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor when contemplating a move. Understanding how housing in Pennsylvania compares to Alaska reveals significant insights into your potential lifestyle and financial considerations. This comparison delves into components such as cost, design, and livability to aid your decision.

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Dutch ColonialLog Cabin, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, proximity to amenitiesViews, spacious land

The contrasts between Pennsylvania and Alaska in real estate extend beyond simple price points. In Pennsylvania, homes typically embody the rich historical context of the area, featuring Colonial and Dutch architecture, which appeals to those appreciative of classic designs. Additionally, Pennsylvania's higher walkability and bikeability scores reflect its more urbanized settings, especially in cities like Philadelphia. Conversely, Alaska's housing market leans towards residences that embrace the state's stunning natural landscape, with many properties boasting expansive views and substantial land plots. This ties into Alaska's lower urban lifestyle score, indicative of its vast, untamed wilderness and the lifestyle that accompanies such an environment. Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska, therefore, isn't just a change of address but a considerable shift in living style and interaction with the surrounding environment.

Pennsylvania vs. Alaska Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another requires adapting to new weather conditions. Understanding how the climate changes from Pennsylvania to Alaska helps you prepare better for what lies ahead. This guide compares the weather characteristics of both states to give you a clearer picture.

Summer icon
85/62

Pennsylvania

60/44

Alaska

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
37/20

Pennsylvania

20/-10

Alaska

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Pennsylvania

22 (Varies greatly by region)

Alaska

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
38

Pennsylvania

75 (Varies greatly by region)

Alaska

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlaska
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Natural DisastersStorms, FloodsEarthquakes, Avalanches
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Pennsylvania and Alaska experience cold winters, Alaska's are significantly harsher, with average winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Summer in Alaska is cooler and shorter compared to Pennsylvania. Alaska's daylight varies greatly, experiencing very long days in summer and short days in winter, which is a significant change if you're moving from Pennsylvania. Additionally, the air quality in Alaska is generally better due to fewer urban areas and less pollution. Understanding these differences ensures you're better prepared for transitioning to life in Alaska, particularly in terms of clothing, heating, and outdoor activities.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding how the cost of living and financial environment of Pennsylvania compares to Alaska is crucial. This insight will help you gauge how your finances might adjust to your new home.

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlaska
Avg. Household Income$71,798$88,121
Cost of Living Index99.7132.6
State Income Tax3.070
Avg. Property Tax1.581.18
Avg. Sales Tax6.341.76
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, ManufacturingOil and Gas, Tourism, Fisheries
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyAverageLower
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal

Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska presents significant financial adjustments. With Alaska's average household income notably higher than Pennsylvania's, the potential for a more affluent lifestyle exists. However, this is balanced by a higher cost of living index. The absence of a state income tax in Alaska compared to Pennsylvania's 3.07% could provide some financial relief, but it's important to consider that the average sales tax is lower in Alaska, which can benefit daily expenses. The different leading industries between the two states suggest varied job markets, possibly requiring a career shift or new opportunities in Alaska's prominent oil, gas, tourism, and fisheries sectors.

Pennsylvania vs. Alaska Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Pennsylvania & Alaska. Understanding these aspects will help you gauge the cultural atmosphere and community values in these states.

PennsylvaniaAlaska
Political Make-upSwing State, leans Democratic in federal electionsRepublican-leaning, with independent streaks
Local PoliticsDiverse; urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas lean RepublicanLocal issues often transcend traditional party lines
ReligionChristian majority, with significant Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communitiesChristian majority, with pockets of indigenous spiritual practices

When considering the move from Pennsylvania to Alaska, you'll find notable differences in both the political and religious landscapes. Pennsylvania, a battleground state, showcases a mix of political views with urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tending to lean Democratic, while rural sections are more Republican. In contrast, Alaska's political environment is distinctly independent, often prioritizing local and state-specific issues over national party lines. The religious makeup in both states predominantly identifies as Christian, but Pennsylvania offers a more diverse religious landscape including sizeable Jewish and Muslim communities, whereas Alaska features unique indigenous spiritual practices alongside its Christian majority. These distinctions can play a significant role in the cultural adjustment you might experience.

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska

Moving from Pennsylvania to Alaska presents unique opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to education. To help you make an informed decision, here's a comparison designed to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Pennsylvania and Alaska .

PennsylvaniaAlaska

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Whitemarsh Elementary (Lafayette Hill)
Hoover Elementary (Mount Lebanon)
Hillcrest Elementary (Downingtown)
Aurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Denali Elementary (Fairbanks)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School (Berwyn)
Mears Middle School (Anchorage)
Romig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)

Top 3 High School Schools

Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
West High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Eagle River High School (Eagle River)

Top 3 private high schools

The Haverford School (Haverford)
The Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Lumen Christi High School (Anchorage)
Grace Christian School (Anchorage)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg)
The Hill School (Pottstown)
Moravian Academy (Bethlehem)
Pacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Waldorf School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)

Top 3 School Districts

Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

When comparing schools from Pennsylvania to Alaska, notable differences arise. For instance, Pennsylvania's top universities, such as Penn State University and the University of Pennsylvania, have a national reputation for excellence. In contrast, Alaska's top colleges like the University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks focus strongly on research and programs tailored to the state's unique environment and needs. Elementary and secondary schools also show contrasts, with Pennsylvania schools like Julia R. Masterman Secondary School and Whitemarsh Elementary standing out for their high academic performance, whereas Alaska's top schools, such as West High School and Aurora Elementary, are recognized for their community engagement and innovative programs. This comparison highlights the diverse educational landscapes between the two states, offering a range of options based on students' needs and interests.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Pennsylvania to Alaska Movers Featured Image
Popular moving routes background image

Popular Pennsylvania to Alaska Moving Routes