100% agree with everything you said (except the Prius thing, especially given how bad the roads in Anchorage have been the past 2 years. I'll stick with my Mazda 5). These are all great tips, I especially agree with the comment about treating our home state like the dream it is and vacationing HERE!
for what its worth - when we were in the area - I found that diesel was actually cheaper in Wasilla - than what it was where we came from (VA) - Costco prices in Anchorage were pretty much exactly the same as what it was in VA. Rent seemed to be impossible to find so i can't comment on that (otherwise we would have rented until our home was ready). Even in the summer traffic was nothing like what it was here in VA. The 20hrs or so of daylight was the bigger shock to us - good set of blinds and its a non-problem.
I came across a current list that broke down the costs of normally bought items, (food, fuel, rent, ect) what I found compared to where I live now (Billings Mt.). Gas was roughly 0.30 gall more, Rent 30-50% more, common groceries where comparable. Power seemed to be about the same for a power co-op, and abut 1/2 of North Western Energy. At the end of the day (or month) cost of living in Anchorage seems to be about 10-15% more than Billings. Where the difference in pay in my trade (base rate, which is already very good compared to other types of trades but more specifically union vs non union) is 25% more in Alaska. What it comes down to is that with all things considered I'm just going to have to see how it all plays out.
Just moved up to Alaska from Utah. Gas prices are similar, food prices are a bit more here but I'm doing much less driving since I don't have a daily commute any more so it balances out for me. Rent and housing are similar as well as internet, at least where I am. Utah is crazy right now. Only have electricity here so we'll see what the rates are like. Buying firewood isn't cheap but may balance out with no gas and not as much power being used vs my forced air furnace previously.
Good, practical info. Thanks! I'll use some of these tips to help me save money in order to move to Alaska! Also, I saw that some Alaska tour companies offer reduced rates to residents during the shoulders of the tourist season. One in particular gave multiday cruise tours in the SE, I can't recall the name, Alaska Native own/run. Thanks again!
I dont agree about the cost of living! I visited fairbanks a year ago and the prices were cheaper than here in Socal!! Food was cheaper, fuel was the same, and definitely much nicer scenery 😂
My wife and I live in California and are tired of the craziness. Both of us are from southwestern states and are outdoors people. We love to fish, especially for salmon and halibut, and like hunting as well but are now in our 60's and hunting might be unrealistic going forward due to the physical demand. Wife really enjoys gardening and wants a larger usable yard. Looking for a summer home and for recommendations on where to buy. We love every area of Alaska we have visited, which is most of south central Alaska. Just got back from Homer, and it was amazing. Fished the Kenai River, which is beautiful but were not as impressed with Soldotna. Love Girdwood and Cooper Landing. Budget is about $750k but would go up to $1mm for an amazing property. Promise not to bring the CA politics to AK. Appreciate any advice.
Yeah, Alaska costs for sure. And the further from Anchorage you get, the worse it gets. And yes, the competition factor is real, up here they know you're bent over the barrel so to speak, so most companies are happy to stick it to you 😂
100% agree with everything you said (except the Prius thing, especially given how bad the roads in Anchorage have been the past 2 years. I'll stick with my Mazda 5). These are all great tips, I especially agree with the comment about treating our home state like the dream it is and vacationing HERE!
for what its worth - when we were in the area - I found that diesel was actually cheaper in Wasilla - than what it was where we came from (VA) - Costco prices in Anchorage were pretty much exactly the same as what it was in VA. Rent seemed to be impossible to find so i can't comment on that (otherwise we would have rented until our home was ready). Even in the summer traffic was nothing like what it was here in VA. The 20hrs or so of daylight was the bigger shock to us - good set of blinds and its a non-problem.
Yup. Internet 187 a month here in anchorage.
I came across a current list that broke down the costs of normally bought items, (food, fuel, rent, ect) what I found compared to where I live now (Billings Mt.). Gas was roughly 0.30 gall more, Rent 30-50% more, common groceries where comparable. Power seemed to be about the same for a power co-op, and abut 1/2 of North Western Energy. At the end of the day (or month) cost of living in Anchorage seems to be about 10-15% more than Billings. Where the difference in pay in my trade (base rate, which is already very good compared to other types of trades but more specifically union vs non union) is 25% more in Alaska. What it comes down to is that with all things considered I'm just going to have to see how it all plays out.
Just moved up to Alaska from Utah. Gas prices are similar, food prices are a bit more here but I'm doing much less driving since I don't have a daily commute any more so it balances out for me. Rent and housing are similar as well as internet, at least where I am. Utah is crazy right now. Only have electricity here so we'll see what the rates are like. Buying firewood isn't cheap but may balance out with no gas and not as much power being used vs my forced air furnace previously.
What cities in Utah and Alaska, if you don't mind saying?
When I drove up in mid may 2022. There was a convoy of about 3 vehicles with Utah plates driving north on the Alcan in Yukon towards Alaska.
Very comparable to living in the DC area. 😅 Maybe even a little cheaper.
I will never buy a Prius! 😂
Good, practical info. Thanks! I'll use some of these tips to help me save money in order to move to Alaska!
Also, I saw that some Alaska tour companies offer reduced rates to residents during the shoulders of the tourist season. One in particular gave multiday cruise tours in the SE, I can't recall the name, Alaska Native own/run. Thanks again!
I dont agree about the cost of living! I visited fairbanks a year ago and the prices were cheaper than here in Socal!! Food was cheaper, fuel was the same, and definitely much nicer scenery 😂
My wife and I live in California and are tired of the craziness. Both of us are from southwestern states and are outdoors people. We love to fish, especially for salmon and halibut, and like hunting as well but are now in our 60's and hunting might be unrealistic going forward due to the physical demand. Wife really enjoys gardening and wants a larger usable yard. Looking for a summer home and for recommendations on where to buy. We love every area of Alaska we have visited, which is most of south central Alaska. Just got back from Homer, and it was amazing. Fished the Kenai River, which is beautiful but were not as impressed with Soldotna. Love Girdwood and Cooper Landing. Budget is about $750k but would go up to $1mm for an amazing property. Promise not to bring the CA politics to AK. Appreciate any advice.
alaska is cheaper than north east pa. in terms of food and most things with tax. gas is about the same….dining out in alaska is plain old robbery.
Thank you for the convenient tips and tricks
This is good advice for anyone.
Yeah, Alaska costs for sure. And the further from Anchorage you get, the worse it gets. And yes, the competition factor is real, up here they know you're bent over the barrel so to speak, so most companies are happy to stick it to you 😂
What are your thoughts on Clear, AK?
it's just a military base