Alaska Local Expert
Mackenzie Schultz
“She's spent years learning how to type with her toes, but still not sure why.”
See full bio
Leaving Alaska for New Jersey: What Life Is Really Like
Few relocations test your adaptability quite like trading the Last Frontier for the Garden State. Alaska and New Jersey sit on opposite ends of nearly every spectrum imaginable, from climate and cost of living to population density and daily pace of life. You are leaving behind glaciers, endless wilderness, and a state that literally pays you to live there, and stepping into one of the most densely populated, fast moving corners of the country. Our Snappy Scout team (Mackenzie & Diane) dug into the real costs, logistical challenges, and lifestyle shifts that come with this dramatic cross country move so you can walk into it with both eyes open before a single box gets packed.
Who's Behind This Guide
The Drive from Alaska to New Jersey: What to Plan For
Average distance
3,500miles
Typical route
The driving route from Alaska to New Jersey typically travels through Canada and the contiguous United States along major highways including the Alaska Highway, ALCAN route, and Interstate corridors heading east.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Anchorage, AK → Newark, NJ
~3550 miles
Fairbanks, AK → Newark, NJ
~3750 miles
Juneau, AK → Jersey City, NJ
~3300 miles
Anchorage, AK → Trenton, NJ
~3600 miles
Sitka, AK → Camden, NJ
~3300 miles
Should You Move From Alaska to New Jersey Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to New Jersey from Alaska is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
The Price Tag of Moving to New Jersey from Alaska
Moving 3,500 miles from Alaska to New Jersey 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.
What Type of Person Thrives After Moving from Alaska to New Jersey?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, PTA President, or Stay at Home Mom, you'll thrive in your move to New Jersey. But if you're more of a Cowboy, Adventure Junkie, or DIYer, 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 New Jersey.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from AK to NJ
Tech Scene
Alaska
2
/10
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
No Silicon Valley vibes, limited startup scene struggles here
New Jersey
Gaining
PATH to Manhattan, Princeton startups, Bell Labs Holmdel echoes
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Tech Bros
Alaska
2
/10
New Jersey
8.5
/10
PTA Life
Alaska
4
/10
New Jersey
9
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Strong community spirit but small school districts limit it
New Jersey
Gaining
Friday lights, School pride, NJEA bake sale legends
Recommended NJ cities/areas for PTA Presidents
RidgewoodSummitCherry Hill
Alaska
4
/10
New Jersey
9
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Alaska
4
/10
New Jersey
8
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Tight-knit suburbs exist but isolation is real
New Jersey
Gaining
Mindowaskin Park playdates, Paper Mill shows, Whole Foods and Trader Joes runs
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
WestfieldMillburnMadisonHaddonfield
Alaska
4
/10
New Jersey
8
/10
Cowboys
Alaska
8
/10
New Jersey
2
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Alaska State Fair rodeos, rugged frontier pride
New Jersey
Gaining
Cowtown Rodeo thrills, but spurs feel lonely off Turnpike
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Cowboys
PilesgroveAugusta
Alaska
8
/10
New Jersey
2
/10
Adventure Activities
Alaska
10
/10
New Jersey
6
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Denali climbs, glacier treks, trail ridge races, mountain biking, backcountry skiing galore
New Jersey
Gaining
Appalachian Trail miles, Pine Barrens paddles, High Point views
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
VernonHardwickHammonton
Alaska
10
/10
New Jersey
6
/10
DIYers
Alaska
8.5
/10
New Jersey
6.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Off-grid builds are basically a local sport
New Jersey
Gaining
Habitat ReStore hauls, Home Depot runs, Millburn Lumber fixes
Recommended NJ cities/areas for DIYers
MaplewoodBloomfieldSomerville
Alaska
8.5
/10
New Jersey
6.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of New Jersey?
The smell of the ocean. The sound of the seagulls down the shore. The train whistles from the local commuter lines.
– Diane Briante
New Jersey Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Alaska and living in New Jersey
AlaskaNew Jersey
Alaska to New Jersey: A Foodie's Guide to Eating
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 New Jersey
Every diner has something they're famous for. Order that. Don't order something too fancy. Avoid the red sauce unless you have inside information that it doesn't come from a can. Splurge on those amazing looking cakes or pies. And we judge diners by their fries. If their fries aren't good, we might not be back.
Diane BrianteNew Jersey Local ExpertThe Tax Comparison Between Alaska and New Jersey
Alaska
New Jersey
AlaskavsNew Jersey
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone, plus you get a Permanent Fund Dividend check annually
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Alaska
None, plus you get a Permanent Fund Dividend check annually
VS
New Jersey
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesAmong the lowest nationwide, no statewide levy
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Alaska
Among the lowest nationwide, no statewide levy
VS
New Jersey
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
From Alaska to New Jersey: How Culture, Politics, & Faith Compare
Alaska
New Jersey
AlaskavsNew Jersey
People
PeopleRugged, self-reliant, welcoming and happy to help
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Alaska
Rugged, self-reliant, welcoming and happy to help
VS
New Jersey
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Politics
Libertarian-leaning red with fierce independent streak, ranked choice voting
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Alaska
Libertarian-leaning red with fierce independent streak, ranked choice voting
VS
New Jersey
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Religion
ReligionMajority Christian including Protestants, Russian Orthodox, and Catholics, significant Native spiritual traditions, alongside Church of Latter-day Saints, as well as non-religious
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
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
New Jersey
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
The Climate Change Between Alaska and New Jersey
SUMMER
Alaska
Can be shockingly pleasant sweater weather (mostly 60s, sometimes 70s-80s inland)
New Jersey
boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
WINTER
Alaska
Frostbite mode (Interior hits minus 40, Coasts are windy and rainy mild). Dark!
New Jersey
puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in New Jersey
The first day warm enough to hang out on the beach, the leaves changing in the fall - and the taste of my first Curley fries in Wildwood. The best!
Diane BrianteNew Jersey Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to New Jersey
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 New Jersey. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from New Jersey local experts.
Moving toElizabeth
EWR Roar, 13A, Pastéis, And Port Crane Views
Moving toJersey City
A Deep Look At The Only City To Have Two PATH Stops In Its Limits
Moving toNewark
Ironbound Eats, PATH Zips, Branch Brook Park Blooms
