Colorado VS Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai: how much, house, calculator)

[mejustme18]

We currently live in Colorado. My Husband, myself and our daughter were born and raised here. My Husband is about to get a job offer we may not be able to turn down ($$$$) as in we are waiting to find out how much they are going to pay him. The job will be in Kenai. My Question is everyone talks about the High cost of everything in Alaska, but is it really that much more then we pay here in Colorado (Arvada) which is also expensive. A cost of living Calc I used said Denver Vs Anc showed only about 2,000-3,000 a year difference. Also if anyone has lived in the Denver area and Anc/Kenai area is the weather really that different besides the much colder temps. Mile High vs Sea level. The air here is dry and it sounds that the air is dry there too. If anyone has spent time in both areas, I would be really thankful for any input.
Thanks
Lisa

[JavaPhil]

I know the Kenai, but think that Rance (as a resident) has a much better grasp of everything

[Rance]

I drove through Colorado once. It was July and to hot for me. I have no idea about the cold weather there...but down here on the Kenai, the temps are just right. Not to hot...not to cold.

[archytype]

may actually be more affordable than Anchorage right now and might be one of the more affordable places in Alaska. Nice lots, nice homes for a fair price. It is drier on that part of the peninsula than areas like Seward and Homer...

That's my take anyway...

[c.adam]

I just relocated my family from Colorado Springs to Fairbanks. Granted, we had already lived in Alaska a few year back so it wasn't new.

I hated certain groups in Colorado that pretty much took over and were telling people what to do... that was enough of a reason to return to Alaska.

Don't worry about those calculators and such... it's not like you'll be out shopping every day for stuff you don't need.

[piscesgirl]

I'm not an alaskan resident, but I do here that Alaska is very humid... They get lots and lots of rain. That will be different from Colorado.... Also mosquitos I here can be pretty bad..... Maybe someone can elobrate on those subjects for her.....

[Rance]

Southeast is a little more on the damp side...but as far as humidity...this place is nothing like southern Minnesota humidity. Does not even compare.

[KWBoyd]

Alaska humid? Not really. When it rains it rains then it's over. We very rarely have high humidity. In fact the opposite is closer to the truth. We run a humidifier most of the winter to keep the humidity in the house high enough to be comfortable.

The mosquitos are a pain. If you live in a wooded area or near a pond it is much worse than if you live in town. The solution is getting a mosquito magnet. They have them at Home Depot type stores and they really do work, especially if you get them running before the mosquitos really come out in the spring. The spray pesticides that you attach to a garden hose work well also. They keep the mosquito population down for about a month after use, and don't have ill effects on pets (or kids)

[akstar]

Just to let you know, I posted a reply to your post on the Colorado Forum

[mejustme18]

Thank everyone for your info, it is very helpful.