You might have considered moving to Alaska to live a luxurious life, but did you know exactly how much it would cost you? We looked into the prices of things you need to live comfortably in the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ and compared them to other states to see if this mythical ‘Alaska luxury’ actually exists. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
The Standard Of Living
When you get right down to it, a luxurious lifestyle in Alaska probably isn’t all that different from a luxurious lifestyle in any other state. With decent jobs and lots of opportunities for growth, it’s no surprise that people are flocking to live there. However, while the cost of living may not seem too high, it can still be difficult to afford the luxury items you may need for everyday living. For instance, a month of groceries in Alaska may set you back more than $100, even when you factor in all the savings you can make from not spending money on utilities and rent.
Rent
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice when you move to or live in Alaska is how much more you’ll need to pay for rent. While this might not seem like a problem, consider that property prices are through the roof and there may not be many rental properties available to you. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you’ll have to pay a lot for decent accommodation – especially in the winter when the temperatures drop and hotels and B&Bs become engulfed in a white-out. This is one of the biggest factors hampering a luxury lifestyle in Alaska – at least, for now.
Utilities And Taxes
A luxury lifestyle in Alaska may not be as expensive as you’d think – at least, not when you consider all the additional costs you’ll incur. One of the biggest factors contributing to the high cost of living in this part of the country is the high cost of utilities and taxes. According to the latest government data, electricity prices in Alaska are the highest in the country. This is largely due to the fact that the state’s biggest energy supplier – Enbridge – gets its power from Canada, which means it is more expensive to generate. Taxes in Alaska are also high due to the remoteness of the state and the presence of the federal government. This means you’ll have to budget extra for meals and entertainment, as well as paying for public services such as education and healthcare.
Groceries
When you factor in all the other major costs of living in Alaska, groceries start to look like a bigger expense than you’d think. This is largely due to how much the national dish, fish, costs to buy and how expensive it is to travel to a grocery store. When you compare this to the rest of the country, where food is generally more affordable, you’ll start to see things differently. For example, a 1-year-old vehicle may set you back thousands of dollars, while a 30-day supply of groceries may only cost you $400 – even after you factor in all the other costs associated with living in Alaska. While it’s easy to get your daily dose of fruit and vegetables in the rest of the country, fresh food isn’t something you’ll easily find in small towns in Alaska – at least, not without going someplace where you can get a big box of cereal, loaf of bread, a jar of olives, and a bottle of wine to accompany it.
Malls, Restaurants, And Entertainment
An expensive lifestyle in Alaska doesn’t mean you have to forego going to the movies or eating out at nice restaurants. In many parts of the country, these are the things you do on a regular basis – so it’s not like you’ll stop having fun just because you can’t spend as much money on luxuries. However, if you’re going to a mall, you may as well go all the way and spend the extra money on luxury items. This may require some research to figure out exactly what suits your needs best. If you have a large family, you may want to consider an entertainment center, where you can get all the movies you want at the touch of a button. It would be best to research all your options so you can pick the one that suits you best. Consider what your needs are and how much you want to spend. The more research you do, the better you’ll be able to ensure you make the right decision for yourself and your family.
Healthcare
Speaking of research, making the right decision for your healthcare is one of the most critical factors to consider if you are to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in Alaska. While it may be tempting to skimp out and go uninsured, the alternative is just as bad. Research shows that having insurance can improve your quality of life and prevent you from spending unnecessary money on costly procedures and treatments. Consider how much you are willing to spend on healthcare and how you can best afford it. If you’re struggling, find ways to lower your healthcare costs – such as opting for a lower-cost generic drug or going to a generic clinic. You may also want to look at what healthcare plans are available through your work. Not every health insurance policy is created equal, and you may find that some offer better benefits than you are paying for. Do your research and find out what is fair and what is not.