Alaska is the biggest state in the U. S. and yet it is one of the least populated. Yes, Alaska doesn’t have a state income tax. Yes, it does not have a state sales tax. It even pays people a dividend per year. So why not so many people want to live there? The state is not very comfy in terms of logistics. There are cities that can only be reached by air or ocean. But still, if Alaska is your biggest dream, we will help you find a place that will be a match for you.
What Living in Alaska Actually Costs
The total number of people who live in Alaska is around 740,000, which makes it one of the states with the people per square mile. That affects a lot of things like how much food costs and how easy it is to get medical care. On average people in Alaska spend $62,900 per year on personal things. For groceries people spend around $400 per month.. For healthcare people spend about $13,015 per year.
These numbers are different in cities. So it is very important to understand these differences when you are deciding where to live in Alaska.
Before You Commit
Look into how easy it’s to get to your target city. Some cities in Alaska, like Juneau and Sitka are not connected to the rest of the state by roads. To move your furniture and belongings to these places you have to take a ferry or a plane, which can be very expensive.
Anchorage – Urban Infrastructure With Outdoor Access
Anchorage has a lot of people living there, 290,000 residents, which is about 40% of the whole state’s population. The average household income is around $100,492. The average home value is nearly $390,382. Anchorage has the state’s international airport, big hospitals and lots of employers in healthcare, government and oil industries.
If you are moving from a city on the mainland, Anchorage will feel pretty manageable. There are many roads. There are over 200 parks. You can get to ski resorts quickly.
The downside is that it costs a lot to live in Anchorage. Your utility bills and everyday expenses will be higher than what most people pay in the US. So if you are on a budget Anchorage might not be the best place for you.
A Plus Moving services will help you make your move smooth. Our team will take care of moving your belongings and free your mind for more important details of the move. Call us today at (800) 919-6332!
Fairbanks – More More Remote
Fairbanks is the second biggest city in Alaska with about 31,500 people living there. The average home price in Fairbanks is near $350,000, which’s about $30,000 less than the average home price in the rest of the state. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a part of the economy with lots of jobs in education, energy and the military.
The winters in Fairbanks are very harsh. It can be as low as -50°F in January. This is literally freezing. This makes utility bills and daily life more expensive.
Palmer and Wasilla – The Matanuska Valley Option
These two cities are near Anchorage (40-45 minutes by car). Wasilla has a lot of things like stores, schools and quiet neighborhoods but at a lower price than Anchorage. Palmer is more about farms. Many people enjoy it because of its small-town feel and mountain views.
Besides, considering how close they are to Anchorage, they can be an option for you to work in Anchorage and live in Palmer or Wasilla.
Kenai – Quiet Peninsula Living
The Kenai Peninsula is the southwest point of Anchorage. The price of a home in Kenai is around $299,900, which’s pretty affordable compared to other places in Alaska. The community in Kenai is small with 7,800 people living there. Fishing is a part of life in Kenai. It is a place for people who want to live in a quiet area and do not need a lot of city things.
Things Worth Knowing Before You Move
If you are moving from the 48 states to Alaska, you need to know that it is a big move and there are rules to follow. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rules that moving companies must follow. If you hire a moving company you should make sure they are registered and have insurance to cover your things.
Here are a things to keep in mind:
- Most cities in Alaska require you to have a car to get around, because you cannot walk to many places.
- Some cities in Alaska are not easy to get to by road, so you should check if a truck can get to your new home before you move.
- It can take a long time to get your things shipped to Southeast Alaska, because of the ferry schedules.
If you are moving to Fairbanks or the Mat-Su Valley in the winter, you need to plan it precisely, because it gets very cold and that can cause problems with your move.
