Prices in AK (Wasilla, Wrangell: sales, construction, maintenance)

[willbilly]

I have always heard that there are certain things in alaska that are more expensive than they are in the lower 48 (namely cigarettes). As someone who is planning to move alaska in upcoming months, I was just wondering what I may want to bring with me / expect to pay a lot of money for when I arrive.

[warptman]

Everything!

[Nephler]

Only a few things we have found to be higher here then back in Northern Michigan. One that comes to mind is soda/pop. Veggies, fruit, and even meats are better quality and cost less here.

But really, it's all relative to where you may have come from.

[akck]

And where in the state you end up.

[Alaska Deb]

For me here in beautiful Wasilla, I have found only the soda (buy like one 12-pk per year) and the frozen food to be noticeably more. Also, I was paying a 7% sales tax and here it is 2.5 with a 15.00 (something tells me I am wrong on this amount...12.50???) cap. That sales tax cap is a beautiful thing. However, in town, they have no sales tax at all.

So, yeah, maybe just a little more on some stuff, but the sales tax thing really helps.

PLUS, you are in the most beautiful place on the Earth.

Oh...wait...get really familiar with Amazon if you shop online

[Nephler]

Ah yes the sales tax thing, we were at 6% in MI.
I think the cap here is $12 something...not sure though.

One more thing, the gas here is more, though not all the time, last month where I was from the gas was about $3.15, here in wasilly, we haven't reached $3, yet.

[GrammasCabin]

In Wrangell : gas, $3.43 diesel, $5.09
milk, $5.39
bread, $4.00 and up
smokes, $7.50
eggs, $1.99 to $2.79
sales tax, 7%
property tax 12.75mills

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by willbilly

I have always heard that there are certain things in alaska that are more expensive than they are in the lower 48 (namely cigarettes). As someone who is planning to move alaska in upcoming months, I was just wondering what I may want to bring with me / expect to pay a lot of money for when I arrive.

Cigarettes, cigars, etc., food, construction materials and equipment, automobiles, and everything else is more expensive in Alaska. Perhaps there isn't a big difference in price from item to item, but when you add everything, the cost of living could be quite high. And don't forget that more than likely one has to drive a lot more in Alaska, something that adds to automobile/tires wear, plus more fuel to drive from place to place. Then there is heating fuel or natural gas to heat your home, boiler maintenance, costs associated with septic systems (pumping and such), and so forth.

[warptman]

You could always quit tobaccy and save thousands!

[marmac]

Originally Posted by GrammasCabin

In Wrangell : gas, $3.43 diesel, $5.09
milk, $5.39
bread, $4.00 and up
smokes, $7.50
eggs, $1.99 to $2.79
sales tax, 7%
property tax 12.75mills

OUCH !!!!!!!!!! ( and I'm not talking about the smokes ) )