How Much Does It Cost to Move in Alaska?
Alaska has the highest long-distance moving costs in the US due to remote geography. Most household goods must ship by barge or cargo plane. Local moves in Anchorage average $1,500. Long-distance moves to or from the lower 48 average $7,500 and can take 2–4 weeks.
Average Moving Costs in Alaska — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $1,500 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $7,500 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $70/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $180/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in Alaska
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($70/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense Alaska cities can add $50–150.
Alaska Moving Cost by City
Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages listed above.
- Anchorage
- Fairbanks
- Juneau
- Wasilla
- Sitka
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How much does it cost to move locally in Alaska?
Local moves in Alaska average $1,500 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $70/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from Alaska cost?
Long-distance moves to or from Alaska average $7,500 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in Alaska?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $180/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in Alaska?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in Alaska. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in Alaska are most expensive for moving?
Anchorage and Fairbanks typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is Alaska gaining or losing residents?
Alaska is currently experiencing net outmigration, which can mean more mover availability and negotiating room on quotes.