cost of living in alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks: purchase, school, costs)

[SityData]

Originally Posted by Dakster

I have found that Cost of Living varies a great deal by what you like to do, eat, and what type of place you want to live.

For example, in AK most places do not have property taxes I have been told. I spend about $5k per year on property taxes in Florida. My home owners insurance just went to $9k this year and it is $5k a year for auto insurance. Alot of these ridiculous figures just happened over the last few years though.

Wow I saved 20k ?? by not owning a home; or car or property!!

Hmmm!! That is hilarious!! I love the Arctic !!!

[Nephler]

Right, I see very little difference. And like I said, beef is much cheaper up here.
It really is all about how you want to live, what you are use to, and where you may be coming from.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Dakster

I have found that Cost of Living varies a great deal by what you like to do, eat, and what type of place you want to live.

For example, in AK most places do not have property taxes I have been told. I spend about $5k per year on property taxes in Florida. My home owners insurance just went to $9k this year and it is $5k a year for auto insurance. Alot of these ridiculous figures just happened over the last few years though.

Don't let the property tax thing fool you. Most places in Alaska don't have them, but most people here pay them. The outlying areas that don't have them aren't places with many jobs and things are pretty expensive out here.

[Dakster]

Yes, SityData you did by not owning any of those here... (I have two cars, so cut that car insurance savings in half) I can show you the bills if you don't believe me...

I know Alaska is expensive and it supposedly is more expensive than Florida, although the above three items were not included in the analysis... In Florida certain things are just way out of wack. Other things are tons cheaper. Renewing your license plates are cheap ($100 for my 2011 F350) and generally all types of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Heck, we can just about grow something here all year around.

I have been told that parts of Alaska have 9 months of winter and 3 months of poor sledding... Gas prices in "urban centers" in AK are about the same as here, maybe .10 to .20 a gal more according to fuel price web-sites. You may have to drive a lot further to get to things, but I know my traffic is worse. Ohh and we really do not have subsistence hunting here and you can't go out and cut wood to cool the house down. (I guess in theory you could build a gasifier to power a generator that would run an AC)

One thing is for sure, our Native American Indian population in Florida are one of the wealthiest groups of people here. They get very large monthly checks from their tribe. Kind of like AK's PFD but they are paid thousands each month per person instead of $1300 or so a year.

To answer the poll's question, if I went to AK and liked it - I could figure out a way to move there. Since I have a good job and a pension here in Florida it would have to be TONS cheaper for me to move there, regardless of how much I liked it. Now after I retire, I believe it would be TONS cheaper to live there and a whole bunch of other places too!

[SityData]

Originally Posted by Dakster

Yes, SityData you did by not owning any of those here... (I have two cars, so cut that car insurance savings in half) I can show you the bills if you don't believe me...

I know Alaska is expensive and it supposedly is more expensive than Florida, although the above three items were not included in the analysis... In Florida certain things are just way out of wack. Other things are tons cheaper. Renewing your license plates are cheap ($100 for my 2011 F350) and generally all types of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Heck, we can just about grow something here all year around.

I have been told that parts of Alaska have 9 months of winter and 3 months of poor sledding... Gas prices in "urban centers" in AK are about the same as here, maybe .10 to .20 a gal more according to fuel price web-sites. You may have to drive a lot further to get to things, but I know my traffic is worse. Ohh and we really do not have subsistence hunting here and you can't go out and cut wood to cool the house down. (I guess in theory you could build a gasifier to power a generator that would run an AC)

One thing is for sure, our Native American Indian population in Florida are one of the wealthiest groups of people here. They get very large monthly checks from their tribe. Kind of like AK's PFD but they are paid thousands each month per person instead of $1300 or so a year.

To answer the poll's question, if I went to AK and liked it - I could figure out a way to move there. Since I have a good job and a pension here in Florida it would have to be TONS cheaper for me to move there, regardless of how much I liked it. Now after I retire, I believe it would be TONS cheaper to live there and a whole bunch of other places too!

I agree with everything you have said Dakster, But I live @ the oppositve end of the price range(s).

In Point Hope fuel is 6 bux a gallon. There is no need for a vehicle; as you can walk anyplace in town in a few minutes. No property taxes for home owners in the villages. I live here because I love the 'simplicity' of it all.

A small "dinosaur' frozen black steak will run about 17 bucks in Pt. Hope.

I fell in love with the Arctic as soon as I arrived up here, I didn't want to leave - paradise!!

I live quite comfortably with my 4 pensions every month; 40 yrs IBEW (happily retired 13 years ago @ age 50).

Between sales of my photographs & the boys Ivory business - we are quite content and well off.

We spend outrageous money on food in Barrow and even here in Anchorage. Everything is like 2/3'rds off here in Anch. Everything is so cheap. I am too used to village prices - which are ridiculous.

I am very anxious to get back up north. Hoping to fly out of here in a matter of weeks, to get back home in the Arctic.

[warptman]

You live in Anchorage.

[SityData]

Originally Posted by warptman

You live in Anchorage.

Doh!! Sherlock himself!! I just finished saying I can't wait to get back to the Arctic. Oh I guess that part wasn't important to you.

I am only down-here temporarily! I have said that over a dozen times. Oh, that's right, homeless under a bridge someplace was your last response.

0 - for TEN. !! that WAS the tenth time you have spouted off and been WRONG!

Finally, finally you got one right! Yes I am in Anchorage mr holmes!!

GOOD SHOW OL CHAP!! spot on!! bloody good for U.

[warptman]

Yawn...

[warptman]

Yawn again.

30 years in the arctic.

Gave up your belongings and left.

Hernia in your tummy.

Snot on your hands.

We make thousands a week with carvings...

blah blah blah.

[Dakster]

Good luck SityData and I hope you get back to where you want to be!

I look forward to a simpler life... One day I will get there. I can retire with a full pension by the time I am 48 - doesn't mean I will though.