Moving to Alaska: costs, checklist and what to know
Alaska at a glance for movers: West region · largest city Anchorage · capital Juneau · Alaska time (the far western Aleutians use Hawaii–Aleutian time) time.
Quick facts for moving to Alaska
- Income tax: Alaska does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
- Sales tax: No statewide sales tax, but many boroughs and cities charge local sales tax.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Alaska driver's license within 90 days, according to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Non-commercial license: 90 days; commercial drivers must transfer within 30 days.
- Getting there: household goods go by ocean freight, so plan for shipping quotes rather than a truck rental.
What to know before moving to Alaska
- Most household goods reach Alaska by ocean freight or barge from the Seattle–Tacoma area. Driving means the Alaska Highway through Canada, so everyone in the vehicle needs a passport or other accepted border document.
- Alaska has no state income tax and no statewide sales tax, though many boroughs and cities charge their own sales tax.
- You generally need to live in Alaska for an entire calendar year before you can apply for the Permanent Fund Dividend.
Main cities and metros include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla.
How much does it cost to move to Alaska?
Truck-rental math doesn't apply to Alaska, because household goods have to travel by sea. Expect to pay for a shipping container or consolidated freight, plus car shipping if you take a vehicle. Get several written quotes, ship only what is worth more than replacing it, and allow extra time: ocean transit and port handling usually take longer than a truck move within the lower 48.
Best time to move to Alaska
Late spring through summer (May–August). Winter brings long darkness, extreme cold in the Interior and hard driving on the Alaska Highway.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Alaska new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Alaska: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Alaska?
Moves to Alaska depend on ocean shipping, so costs vary more than for moves within the lower 48. Get quotes for container or consolidated freight, plus car shipping, and ship less than you would for a truck move.
Does Alaska have a state income tax?
No. Alaska does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
What is the sales tax in Alaska?
No statewide sales tax, but many boroughs and cities charge local sales tax.
How long do I have to get a Alaska driver's license after moving?
90 days, according to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Non-commercial license: 90 days; commercial drivers must transfer within 30 days. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Alaska?
Late spring through summer (May–August). Winter brings long darkness, extreme cold in the Interior and hard driving on the Alaska Highway.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Alaska Department of Revenue and the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.