Cost of living (Anchorage, Eagle: sales, apartments, rentals)

[mkloster]

I have a job offer in Anchorage, and am attempting to compare cost of living. According to the online calculators, Anchorage is 25-30% more expensive than where I live now. Unfortunately, the job offer is not 25-30% more than my currently salary...so now I have a choice to make.

Looking online at housing (at least for rental houses), I can see that particular part of the equation seems to be pretty close to 25-30% increase. The problem is that I don't know the area, and could be looking at the more expensive neighborhoods, without knowing it.

My question is...for anyone who has made a move like this...did you find the that the COL calculators were accurate once you got up there?

FYI...one COL I've used is http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwi...coll_start.asp

[AADAD]

Where are you now?

[mkloster]

Omaha, NE.

I didn't put that in there because I was interested in whether or not people found the COL calculators accurate in general, not necessarily only from Omaha, NE to Anchorage. I imagine that sample of people would be pretty small!!

Anyway, hope that helps.

[AADAD]

I do not believe in calculators. Omaha is a town which I like a good deal and know.

Some basics. You will not pay state income tax so take take that amount and add it to your salary. There is no sales tax so again add that to your income.

You will pay more for housing here in the Anchorage area however the market in increasing so you can make money on your purchase. Rentals are especially higher. Food cost is you are a smart shopper will be slightly more. The beef will not be the superior quality you are used to but at Costco and Mikes Meats it is very good IMO. The quality of life is better IMO. It is beautiful. Crime is less (despite statistics) it is less and less severe than Omaha....I had a chance to live in Omaha and I stayed here. Any other questions fire away.......lot's of answers on this forum.

[mkloster]

Wow, what a blessing to find someone that knows the two areas.

If you could put a percentage on it, what COL increase do you think you are paying for the privilege (seriously...not sarcastic) of living in Anchorage vs. Omaha?

Your post gives me hope that I can make this work...and maybe a quick trip up there is the only real way to ease (or validate) my concerns.

[AADAD]

Look at it this way....what is rent for 6 months there for a 2 bedroom place?
cost of electricity in winter there vs. here *typically. My apt heat and gas was $100.00/month when I first moved up here.
gasoline>? and
food

those are the three basic shelter heat and food. anything else is gravy when you get started. gas is now about $3.30 per gallon. If you shop at Costco you will save money for food. Some apartments cover heat in the rent. a typical 2 bedroom will cost you $1200 1 bedroom maybe $900. per month. you can go cheaper but you have to look around and chat with people. if you do come up call apt complexes and set up appointments. stay away from Muldoon Mountainview and Fairview. Everywhere else is fine. Also check out Eagle River. Housing is cheaper somewhat and it's about 12 miles from Anchorage. Safer too.

[AADAD]

My budget first 6 months.

1 bdr apt $900.
heat $100.
food $200.
gas $100

I went to work and not much else....

[mkloster]

Thank you. As far as rental goes, I have a family, so we would be looking at a 3-4 bedroom house, which from what I can see online, is hovering around 2000/month. Is that about right with what you see/expect up there?

[AADAD]

ok I see. There is a 3 bedroom 2 bath condo for rent in Eagle River with 2 car heated garage for $1,700.00/month heat will cost $200 for gas and electricity or more. Commute is 12 miles and up depending upon where you work in Anchorage.

[mkloster]

Thanks for that verification. I think I will be visiting soon to check out the area in person before I make my final decision.