Geologist relocating to ANC or Fairbanks (Anchorage, Wasilla: sales, house, school)

[LakerGeologist]

Hello All,

I am considering taking a job offer that would move me to Anchorage or Fairbanks. I am a Geologist and would not be making the move until Spring if I took the position. After the limited research I have done so far I see that the cost of living in Fairbanks is about 25% higher than here in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Anchorage isn't too much more maybe 5% more.

I am wondering how far an after tax salary of 65K/yr goes in the Fairbanks or ANC area. I have traveled to Alaska but always the South East and only once as far as Anchorage, I know the interior is a different story. I also spent 12 yrs in the Marine Corps so the family is used to moving. I have a wife and 4 children 14, 10, 2, and 3 months.

In figuring my income I only deducted federal taxes I was told there is no State income tax, but are there local/city income taxes in Fairbanks or the surrounding towns/villages?

I would like suggestions on where to look for housing, I don't want to live downtown Anchorage or Fairbanks but are there areas to specifically avoid, are any of the surrounding towns not desirable? Just trying to make our premove house hunting as efficient as possible.

Last does anyone have experience with UAA or UAF's grad school in case I choose to keep going? What are your impressions, and good or bad opinions?

Thanks,

JT

[AKStafford]

There's property taxes in Anchorage, the MatSu Valley and Fairbanks. In the Valley (a bedroom area about 45 minutes to an hour north of Anchorage) there is a 3% sales tax in Wasilla & Palmer. No sales tax in Anchorage.
An after tax salary of 65K in Anchorage or the Valley would be okay, depending on your lifestyle, debt load, etc.

[jabogitlu]

Our household income is about 85% of the figure you quoted, and we do okay here on the Peninsula. No kids, though. After a couple years you'll be eligible for the permanent fund dividend which will help you out some, unless it's a bad year (this year was $1800 per person).

You'll probably end up changing your diet somewhat to live within a reasonable grocery budget, or take up fishing/hunting to stock your freezer. We are not fishers or hunters, so we have fewer meat-eating days here as a result.

I think living in Anchorage will be cheaper as far as utilities goes. Fairbanks summers are hot, enough to require A/C, and winters last a long time and are very, very cold.