Alaska Local Expert
Mackenzie Schultz
“She's spent years learning how to type with her toes, but still not sure why.”
See full bio
Moving from AK to Colorado: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Trading the Last Frontier for the Rocky Mountain State is one of the more dramatic relocations a person can make, and the contrasts go far deeper than the change in scenery. Alaska offers unmatched wilderness, a unique tax structure with no state income or sales tax, and a lifestyle built around self-reliance and open space. Colorado, by comparison, brings a bustling outdoor culture, growing cities, and a cost of living that may catch Alaskans off guard after years of permanent fund dividends softening everyday expenses. Our Snappy Scout team (Mackenzie & Heidi) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should plan for before loading up the moving truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
How Far Is It from Alaska to Colorado?
Average distance
3,400miles
Typical route
The drive from Alaska to Colorado typically routes through Canada via the Alaska Highway, then through the contiguous US via I-15 South and I-70 East or US-2 and I-90 before heading south.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Anchorage, AK → Denver, CO
~3450 miles
Fairbanks, AK → Denver, CO
~3700 miles
Juneau, AK → Denver, CO
~3150 miles
Anchorage, AK → Colorado Springs, CO
~3500 miles
Wasilla, AK → Fort Collins, CO
~3400 miles
How Much Will Relocating to Colorado from Alaska Run You?
Moving 3,400 miles from Alaska to Colorado will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
5–12days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,860.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,110.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860.00 | 450 | $4.13 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,400.00 | 1,600 | $4 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,110.00 | 1,800 | $3.95 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
Is Colorado Right for Your Vibe?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, Gamer, or Minimalist, you'll thrive in your move to Colorado. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Retired Military, or Retired Snowbird, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Alaska to Colorado.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from AK to CO
Tech Scene
Alaska
2
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Alaska
Giving up
No Silicon Valley vibes, limited startup scene struggles here
Colorado
Gaining
Startup scene growing but lacks Silicon Valley's massive scale.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Tech Bros
BoulderDenver
Alaska
2
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Gaming
Alaska
4
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Long dark winters help, but internet speeds often don't
Colorado
Gaining
Growing esports scene and indie game dev community emerging.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Gamers
DenverBoulder
Alaska
4
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Minimalism
Alaska
6
/10
Colorado
8.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Remote cabin life strips everything down nicely
Colorado
Gaining
Tiny homes meet mountain living simplicity and purpose.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Minimalists
BoulderSteamboat Springs
Alaska
6
/10
Colorado
8.5
/10
Beach Culture
Alaska
8
/10
Colorado
2.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Beaches absolutely exist but think tide-pooling, rocky shores, and maybe a wetsuit
Colorado
Gaining
Lakes offer swimming but landlocked mountains aren't coastal paradise.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Beach Bums
Boulder Reservoir
Alaska
8
/10
Colorado
2.5
/10
Military Culture
Alaska
9
/10
Colorado
6
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Elmendorf and Fort Wainwright offer strong community
Colorado
Gaining
Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson provide strong support.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Retired Militaries
Colorado SpringsAurora
Alaska
9
/10
Colorado
6
/10
Snowbirds
Alaska
4.5
/10
Colorado
3
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Beautiful summers but winters are brutally long here
Colorado
Gaining
Winters too harsh and snowy for those seeking sunshine.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Grand Junction
Alaska
4.5
/10
Colorado
3
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Colorado?
It’s the first breath when I get back from traveling. Colorado air is thin and dry, but it somehow feels lighter and cleaner. Everywhere else feels heavier, and coming home makes it feel easier to breathe again.
– Heidi Lim
Colorado Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Alaska and living in Colorado
AlaskaColorado
From Alaska to Colorado: How the Way Locals Eat Looks Different
Eating Like a Local in Alaska
Beer Battered Fish and Chips (Try the Halibut or Rockfish!), Local Alaskan Oysters, King Crab Legs, PelMeni's, Fish Tacos, and Grilled Salmon. Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Farmed Salmon!
Mackenzie SchultzAlaska Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Colorado
Order cautiously: Rocky Mountain Oysters are NOT oysters. They’re bull testicles. But they’re deep-fried, and let’s be honest, anything deep-fried has a fighting chance.
Heidi LimColorado Local ExpertAlaska vs Colorado: How Your Taxes Shift
Alaska
Colorado
AlaskavsColorado
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone, plus you get a Permanent Fund Dividend check annually
Flat 4.4% on all income
Alaska
None, plus you get a Permanent Fund Dividend check annually
VS
Colorado
Flat 4.4% on all income
Property Taxes
Property TaxesAmong the lowest nationwide, no statewide levy
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
Alaska
Among the lowest nationwide, no statewide levy
VS
Colorado
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
Values, Beliefs, & Politics: Alaska vs Colorado
Alaska
Colorado
AlaskavsColorado
People
PeopleRugged, self-reliant, welcoming and happy to help
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Alaska
Rugged, self-reliant, welcoming and happy to help
VS
Colorado
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Politics
Libertarian-leaning red with fierce independent streak, ranked choice voting
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Alaska
Libertarian-leaning red with fierce independent streak, ranked choice voting
VS
Colorado
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Religion
ReligionMajority Christian including Protestants, Russian Orthodox, and Catholics, significant Native spiritual traditions, alongside Church of Latter-day Saints, as well as non-religious
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
Alaska
Majority Christian including Protestants, Russian Orthodox, and Catholics, significant Native spiritual traditions, alongside Church of Latter-day Saints, as well as non-religious
VS
Colorado
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
What the Weather Really Feel Like in Alaska vs Colorado
SUMMER
Alaska
Can be shockingly pleasant sweater weather (mostly 60s, sometimes 70s-80s inland)
Colorado
crispy mornings, scorching afternoons (90s on the Front Range)
WINTER
Alaska
Frostbite mode (Interior hits minus 40, Coasts are windy and rainy mild). Dark!
Colorado
bluebird perfection interrupted by arctic blasts (mountains stay frozen)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Colorado
The transition from summer to fall is one of my favorite times of year. The leaves turn, the air cools just enough, and driving through the mountains for leaf peeping feels like a warm, cozy hug before winter settles in.
Heidi LimColorado Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Colorado
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Alaska, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Colorado. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Colorado local experts.
Moving toAurora
Pack Your Subaru and Learn to Love Havana Street
