Alaska is the largest state in the United States, located in the northwest corner of North America. Known for its rugged wilderness, vast open spaces, and unique wildlife, Alaska is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure.
If you are considering moving to Alaska, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.
Quick Alaska Facts:
- Population: 732,673 (2021)
- Official Language: English
- GDP Per Capita: $69,919
- Random Fact: Alaska has three million lakes, as well as the largest forest in the States.
- Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Alaska
From State | Moving Cost to Alaska (Estimated) |
---|---|
Texas | $7,000 – $20,000 |
Florida | $10,000 – $15,000 |
New York | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Pennsylvania | $7,000 – $15,000 |
Illinois | $8,000 – $20,000 |
Ohio | $2,000 – $14,400 |
Georgia | $4,090 – $8,250 |
North Carolina | $5,000 – $10,000 |
The costs are estimated and can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the household, distance, and additional services required. It’s advisable to get personalized quotes from Alaska moving companies for more accurate figures.
2. Alaska Housing Costs
Housing prices in Alaska are reasonable, and you can find nice places to stay in the city centre and beyond.
Monthly Rental Prices in Alaska:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,340+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $760+
- 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,350+
- 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,000+
Alaska Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $2,150+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,150+
Alaska Housing Cost Comparison:
This is how rents in Alaska compare with other cities around the globe.
- London is 46.1% more expensive
- New York is 62.9% more expensive
- Los Angeles is 48.8% more expensive
- Toronto is 25.2% more expensive
- Sydney is 35.1% more expensive
- Paris is 14.7% more expensive
- Dubai is 23.8% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs:
- Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommates, Roomies and SpareRoom
- Different Areas – Different Prices: The range of rental and house purchase prices in Alaska can vary greatly depending on the location, with prices generally being higher in urban centres such as Anchorage or Juneau. In these areas, prices tend to be higher closer to downtown or in more desirable neighbourhoods, while prices tend to be more affordable in the suburbs or further away from the city centre.
3. Alaska Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Alaska’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the state’s geography and climate, with a focus on seafood, game meats, and locally sourced produce. In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of craft breweries and distilleries, with many establishments using unique ingredients such as spruce tips and birch syrup. Some famous Alaskan foods to be aware of include salmon, king crab, reindeer sausage, and wild blueberries.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.00
- Takeout Coffee: $4.35
- Bottle of Coke: $2.00
- 1L of Milk: $1.40
- Loaf of Bread: $3.50
- 12 Eggs: $3.50
- 1kg Chicken: $12.00
- 1kg Beef: $8.80
- 1kg Apples: $6.60
- 1kg White Rice: $7.50
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- London restaurants are 7% more expensive and groceries are 25.5% cheaper than Alaska.
- New York restaurants are 16.5% more expensive and groceries are 15.2% more expensive than Alaska.
- Los Angeles restaurants are 10.9% more expensive and groceries are 8% cheaper than Alaska.
- Toronto restaurants are 10% cheaper and groceries are 21.9% cheaper than Alaska.
- Sydney restaurants are 11.1% cheaper and groceries are 7.1% cheaper than Alaska.
- Paris restaurants are 17.4% cheaper and groceries are 9.3% cheaper than Alaska.
- Dubai restaurants are 16.8% more expensive and groceries are 72.1% more expensive than Alaska.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:
- Know Your Supermarkets: Due to Alaska’s remote location, access to fresh produce can be limited, but there are still farmers’ markets available in many areas. The cost of living in Alaska is generally higher than the rest of the US, so supermarkets can be expensive, but there are also discount stores available.
- Find Cheap Eats: Alaska has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor and Yelp.
4. Alaska Alcohol Costs
Alaska, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.50
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $3.20
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $4.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $15.00
How To Drink For Less in Alaska:
- Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
- Take a look at happy hour locations on this Foursquare page.
5. Alaska Transportation Fares
Public transportation in Alaska is limited, with the majority of the state’s population relying on personal vehicles for transportation. In urban centres such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, there are bus systems that operate on a limited schedule, and the Alaska Railroad provides passenger service between several cities, including Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Here are some sample ticket costs:
- Adult single – $1.50
- One-day ticket – $5.00
- Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $40.00
How To Save Money on Public Transport:
- Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
- Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.
6. Cost of Internet in Alaska
Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:
- Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
- AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
- Verizon: $80 a month
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The average yearly temperature in Alaska, US varies greatly depending on the location, but is generally around -6 to 1 degrees Celsius (20 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest month is typically January, the hottest month is typically July, and the wettest month is usually September.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: $52.00
- Summer Dress: $90.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): $140.00
- Business Shoes:
- Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $145.00
- Deodorant: $3.60
- Shampoo: $4.50
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.10
- Gym Membership: $90.00
- Movie (cinema) Ticket: $13.00
Source: Numbeo, Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Alaska
Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Alaska. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Alaska from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.
You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Alaska:
- Volkswagen Golf: $26,500+
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.10
Source: Numbeo
Ways To Save Money on Driving in Alaska:
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld.
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.
9. Taxes in Alaska
No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.
The sales tax in Alaska is unique compared to other states in the US, as there is no statewide sales tax. Instead, local jurisdictions (such as cities and boroughs) have the option to impose their own sales tax rates. This means that the sales tax rate can vary greatly depending on the location, ranging from 0% in some areas to over 7% in others. Some municipalities also impose a local excise tax on certain goods and services.
Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.
Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Alaska you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.
10. Flight Costs from Alaska
If you do make the move to Alaska, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:
- London: $660
- New York: $280
- Los Angeles: $280
- Toronto: $300
- Vancouver: $210
- Dubai: $1,200
- Sydney: $620
- Melbourne: $1,400
- Cape Town: $1,300
- Hong Kong: $860
Other Tips on Moving to Alaska:
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Alaska but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Moving to Alaska Alone
Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Alaska.
- Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
- Attend Local Events: Alaska always has something going on. Have a look at Trip Advisor.
12. Moving to Alaska with a Family
The crime rate in Alaska is high, but there are safe places to bring up a family, too, such as neighbourhoods in Anchorage. The state has an abundance of green spaces, making it a beautiful place to call home.
- New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at the Alaska Birth Collective.
- Live in a Family-friendly Area: Neighbourhoods in Anchorage are thought to be the best, family-friendly spots in Alaska.
- Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Alaska. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor and Family Destinations Guide.
13. Moving to Alaska for Work
While it is possible to move to Alaska without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Oil and gas are the main industries in Alaska. The unemployment rate in Alaska is currently at 4%.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale.
- How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Alaska from Australia
There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Alaska, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.
- Size Comparison: Alaska is roughly the same size as the state of Queensland, which has an area of around 1.7 million square kilometres.
- Join Expat Groups: You can always start your own Australian Meetup group.
15. Moving to Alaska from Canada
There’s a small group of Canadians living in Alaska. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size: Alaska is comparable in size to the province of Quebec, which has an area of around 1.5 million square kilometres.
- Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.
16. Moving to Alaska from the United Kingdom
There’s a small number of Brits living in Alaska. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.
- Size: Alaska is approximately 2.5 times larger than the entire United Kingdom, which has an area of around 243,000 square kilometres.
- Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Alaska, then start your own British Meetup group.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Alaska you can start by comparing moving quotes here.