Moving to Alaska

By
Mohit

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    Alaska is one of the popular tourist destinations in the world. It is also known as “America’s Last Frontier” and is blessed with stunning natural vistas, amazing landscapes, snowy mountains, dense forests, and vast tundras.

    Alaska is located at the northernmost corner of North America and is the best place to view the Northern Lights. This beautiful state is widely known for its unspoiled wilderness.

    It is home to endless outdoor activities and thus attracts an adventure-seeking crowd from all around the world.

    Are you planning to make a move? Here is the comprehensive guide to making the relocation process simple and hassle-free. Scroll down the page to get the best moving to Alaska advice.

    Can I move to Alaska for free?

    There is a misconception that you can move to Alaska for free, but the truth is that you can get paid to live there. The Alaska PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend) takes the state’s oil wealth and shares the annual portion with the permanent residents.

    Is it worth moving to Alaska?

    Sure. Moving to Alaska is absolutely worth it. This state offers the best hunting and fishing opportunities in the world. Moreover, it is a tax-friendly state with no state or income tax.

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    Moving to Alaska Best Guide

    Alaska is probably the best place to enjoy the relaxed pace of life. However, moving to this beautiful state requires plenty of things to consider.

    Therefore, we have compiled a detailed guide that includes everything you need to know, including the moving cost, housing price, healthcare, education system, and a lot more.

    Let us take a virtual tour of the state and get to know everything before relocating there.

    1. Moving Cost in Alaska

    Moving cost in Alaska depends on various factors. These are:

    • The amount of stuff you want to ship
    • The total distance covered
    • The type of service you are choosing.

    Moreover, there are different types of moving services available in Alaska, such as full-service movers, rental trucks, self-moving services, etc.

    It is advised to hire full-service movers who can ship all your items safely.

    They can easily handle the driving and logistics and generally offers fast delivery services. The average cost for moving to Alaska with a full-service mover is about $10,000 to $20,000.

    How much does it cost to move to Alaska?

    There is no average moving cost to Alaska as it depends on how much stuff you want to bring. The price can range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000 and more.

    What is the cheapest way to move to Alaska?

    Hiring professional moving services is the best and the cheapest way to move to Alaska.

    There are plenty of options available over the internet, and you can easily choose according to your budget and moving requirements.

    2. Living Cost in Alaska

    The overall living cost in Alaska is about 125.8, according to BestPlaces. Everything is way too expensive to afford in this state, be it groceries, essential utilities, housing, or transportation.

    However, the government offers around $1,600 per person to all permanent residents as moving to Alaska incentives to help them manage the high living cost.

    Check the cost of living in Alaska here.

    Overall125.8
    The living cost of a single person without rent$1,239
    The living cost of a family of four without rent$4,315
    Groceries$451.71
    Utilities$281.92
    Transportation (One-way ticket)$2
    Average monthly net salary (after tax)$4515.17
    Housing cost$293,400

    Is it expensive to live in Alaska?

    Yes. Alaska is one of the most expensive states in the country to live in. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living index in this state is 125.8, way higher than the US average.

    How much money do you need to live comfortably in Alaska?

    You require at least thrice your monthly rent to live comfortably in Alaska. The rent for the one-bedroom apartment is about $1,055, so; the residents would need around $3,165 to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this state.

    3. Business Opportunity

    Alaska offers a plethora of business opportunities to the residents. A variety of industries are flourishing in this state, such as:

    • Oil and gas servicing
    • Petroleum marketing
    • Fishing
    • Frozen food business
    • Pharmacy
    • Agriculture
    • Transportation and logistics
    • Travel and tourism

    The residents require a business license to start their business in Alaska. There are three major licensing jurisdictions, namely State, Local, and Federal.

    You will have to obtain the state business license to set your firm in Alaska. Local and federal licenses depend on your firm’s activity and its location.

    Moving to Alaska - Business Opportunities

    The license gets renewed every year, and this can be done either online or by submitting a hard copy of the renewal form.

    Is Alaska a good place to start a business?

    Yes. Alaska is one of the perfect places to start a business as it offers various opportunities. However, this is not cheap, and you need to add an additional cost of transportation and shipping to your budget.

    Forms & application for business

    Complete the business forms and application to apply for the state business license and get your firm registered in Alaska. These forms can be either submitted online or through mail or fax, or in person.

    The types of forms available are:

    • Business Information Form
    • Business Licensing
    • Business Registration

    Requirements for license

    You need to get a state business license to start any firm in Alaska. This license is issued by the Corporation, Business, & Professional Licensing Office of Alaska DCCED.

    Business licensing requirements generally depend on the business’ activity and location.

    To get the license:

    • You can either apply online with the Alaska Department of Commerce or send a fax to their official address. You can also visit them in person.
    • Submit the license fee of $50 and send the application to their official mailing address.

    4. Job Market in Alaska

    It is a good idea to know about the job market before moving to Alaska. This state ranks #20 in terms of per capita income. Alaska is a land of opportunities and offers incredible job options to the residents.

    However, the market is very competitive in this state, and getting a job here is not as simple as it may seem.

    All kinds of jobs are available in the state, including full-time, part-time, internship, and temporary. The dental assistant is one of the fastest-growing jobs in Alaska.

    Before relocating to America’s last Frontier, please be informed that the unemployment rate in Alaska stands at 7.1, higher than the national average.

    What jobs are in high demand in Alaska?

    Some of the high-demand jobs in Alaska are dental assistant, medical assistant, pedicab driver, personal care assistant, receptionist, crew member, and billing specialist.

    What is a good salary in Alaska?

    The average annual salary in Alaska is $69,750. It can go as high as $89,741 and as low as $49,357.

    What are the most common jobs in Alaska?

    The most common jobs in Alaska are:

    • Commercial pilots
    • Petroleum technician
    • Material moving workers
    • Geological and Wildlife biologists
    • Flight engineers

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    5. Tax Rates in Alaska

    Alaska is one of the tax-friendly states in the country. It does not impose any sales or state income tax on residents. However, the state generates the bulk of its revenue from other taxes, including property tax, excise tax, etc.

    The property tax in Alaska is 1.18%, a bit higher than the US average. The state ranks #21 out of 50 in terms of real estate tax rate. The state and property tax collections per capita are $2,120.

    Moving to Alaska - Tax Rates

    The top corporate income tax rate in Alaska is 9.4%, and it stands at #3 in State Business Tax Climate Index Ranking.

    Is Alaska a tax-free state?

    No. Alaska is not tax-free; however, the state exempts its residents from sales and state income tax.

    Is there a state tax in Alaska?

    No. Alaska doesn’t levy a sale tax on the residents; however, businesses might have to pay tax to the municipal government.

    Hence, contact the local municipal government to know the sales tax regulations for your business entity.

    Is there a property tax in Alaska?

    Yes. The state of Alaska levies a tax of 1.18% on real estate, while the country’s property tax rate is 1.07%.

    6. Economy in Alaska

    It is essential to get an idea of the economy before moving to Alaska. This state’s economy is conditioned strongly even after the drop of job opportunities and the rise in the unemployment rate.

    The oil and gas industry is the major sector from where the state generates the maximum revenue. Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is the country’s most significant and produces a good revenue for the state.

    Most of the fish production is exported. A small portion of the state’s economy is generated from agriculture and forestry.

    The median household income of residents in Alaska is about $71,829 per year, way more than the country’s average.

    How strong is Alaska’s economy?

    Despite the job losses in 2020, the Alaskan economy is strong and stable. This is because of the state’s continuing status as the Frontier. The economy of Alaska is based on oil production, tourism, and fishing.

    Is Alaska rich or poor?

    Alaska is one of the richest states in the United States due to the fastest-growing oil and gas industry. Nearly 85% of the state budget is supplied by oil revenues which in turn contributes to making the Alaskan economy strong.

    7. Education

    The state of Alaska has one of the finest education systems in the country. The public schools operate within the district and are governed by locally elected school boards.

    Alaska has the second-highest per-pupil spending in the country.

    The traditional schools in the state are free for all students. Most of the schools are equipped with cutting-edge computer technology, too many students from rural areas participate in classroom activities on computer networks.

    The state also offers premier opportunities for higher education. It is home to some of the famous colleges and universities in the country, such as the University of Anchorage, Alaska Pacific University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, etc.

    Does Alaska have a good education?

    Yes. The public schools in Alaska are counted amongst the best in the country. The state is famous for using computers and a distance education system to expand learning opportunities.

    Moreover, the state’s college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT are consistently ranking above the US average. 

    Is school free in Alaska?

    Yes. Traditional public schools are free in Alaska. Such schools are open to all and are managed by the school districts, and are funded by the state, local, and federal governments.

    8. Health System

    You must know about the state’s healthcare system whether you are moving to Alaska alone or with family. This 49th US state offers an excellent healthcare facility to the residents.

    But every good thing comes with a fancy price tag, and Alaska healthcare is no different. The state has the highest medical cost in the country. Residents need to pay $583 per month as health insurance to enjoy the state-of-the-art healthcare system.

    Alaska’s annual per-capita healthcare expenditure is more than $11,000, more than any other state in the US.

    Does Alaska have good healthcare?

    Yes. Alaska has a progressive healthcare system and is highest among other states in per capita health expenditures. It is the only state in which 99% of the health programs are managed by native organizations.

    How much does healthcare cost in Alaska?

    The average cost of health insurance in Alaska is $583 per month for a 40-year old adult. You can purchase the insurance plan through the state health insurance marketplace.

    Why is healthcare so expensive in Alaska?

    Healthcare in Alaska is expensive for many reasons. Firstly, there are a limited number of medical service providers.

    Also, the state’s small population and their isolation from the larger markets make healthcare in Alaska expensive.

    9. Housing Prices

    Housing in Alaska is a bit pricey than the national average. You can own a house in this state at the median value of $241,800. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Anchorage is about $1055.

    The options for housing are plentiful in Alaska, ranging from traditional like campervans, dry cabins to modern such as apartment sublets. The property tax in Alaska is also higher than the US average value.

    Moving to Alaska - Housing

    Does Alaska have affordable housing?

    No. The real estate in this state is quite expensive. However, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation provides safe and affordable rental homes to Alaskans with low income.

    Such housing is available in 13 communities across the state with maintenance staff and on-site management.

    How much is housing in Alaska?

    Homes cost a little more in Alaska than in the rest of the US. The median home value in Alaska is $241,800. This is around 37% higher than the country’s median value of $176,700.

    Why is housing in Alaska so expensive?

    Alaska is big and sparsely populated, which contributes to its higher home values. Moreover, the state is quite far from the place where goods are manufactured, and it automatically drives up the cost of everything.

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    10. Weather

    The weather in Alaska can sometimes be a bit predictable and varies from one region to another. The state has the longest winters in the country, with frizzing cold days.

    The summer season (mid-June to mid-August) is usually the warmest and mildest time of the year.

    The southern and coastal regions in Alaska can be cloudy throughout the year with some rain showers. The winter temperature in this state ranges from 0°F to -30°F from November to March. May is the driest, and September is the wettest month in Alaska.

    America’s Last Frontier has an Arctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.  The sun does not rise during some weeks in the winter season and is out for 24 hours during some weeks in the summer.

    The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June to mid-September, owing to the warm weather and long days. 

    What is the hottest month in Alaska?

    July is typically the warmest month in Alaska.

    Does it ever get warm in Alaska?

    Yes. The interior regions of Alaska enjoy warm weather, from mid-June to mid-August.

    11. Best Food Points in Alaska

    It is good to know about the local delights and food joints before moving to Alaska. This state has never ranked for its culinary scene, but it offers a variety of local dishes that are worth giving a try.

    Miles of coastline and plenty of wilderness make Alaska famous for local fish and meat dishes.

    The 49th US state is famous for its thriving craft beer scene with more than 35 microbreweries. Alaskan’s signature beer is Amber which is available in every bar and restaurant in the state.

    What is Alaska’s famous food?

    Some of the must-try Alaska dishes are:

    • Fish and Chips
    • King Crab legs
    • Berry Cobler
    • Reindeer Sausage
    • Yak meat
    • Salmon
    • Fresh oysters
    • Fried bread

    What restaurants are open for dine-in in Alaska?

    Check the list of restaurants that are open for dine-in in Alaska here.

    • Kinley’s Restaurant and Bar, Anchorage
    • Jen’s Restaurant, Anchorage
    • Everett’s, Wasilla
    • Wolf Run Restaurant, Fairbanks
    • Rustic Goat, Anchorage
    • Texas Roadhouse, Anchorage

    Top Restaurants in Alaska

    The best restaurants in Alaska are:

    • Crow’s nest
    • Gustavus Inn
    • Homestead Restaurant
    • Foraker
    • Knik
    • Seven Glaciers
    • Turkish Delight
    • Moose’s Tooth

    12. Pros and Cons

    Are you searching for moving to Alaska tips? Check the pros and cons of living in the state here.

    Pros

    • Alaska is home to beautiful outdoors and offers a range of adventurous activities such as kayaking, hiking, surfing, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, etc.
    • This state is known for its small-town charm and relaxed vibes. It gives the chance to explore various cultural opportunities.
    • Alaska has the best summers in the world. Some parts of the state enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer season.
    • You can get paid to live in America’s Last Frontier if you qualify for the PFD payment.

    Cons

    • Although Alaska has a strong and stable economy, job opportunities are declining in the state over the past few years.
    • This state experiences the longest and coldest winters in the country with the temperature ranges from 0°F to -30°F.
    • The cost of living index in Alaska is way higher than the country’s average.
    • Alaska is quite far from the rest of the US which, in turn, increases the cost of travel.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What to know before moving to Alaska?

    There are certain things that you should know before moving to Alaska. These are:

    • The cost of living is high.
    • The popular event of the Alaska State Fair is something worth experiencing.
    • You should learn about basic bear safety before relocating to this state.
    • The winter nights are long and summer nights are short.

    What are the benefits of moving to Alaska?

    Find the benefits of relocating to Alaska here.

    • Alaska will actually pay you to move there.
    • This state is breathtakingly beautiful and is home to snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, northern lights, and amazing wilderness.
    • It offers some of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in the world.
    • This state does not levy any state sales or income tax.

    What would be the steps moving to Alaska?

    You need to follow the steps mentioned below to move to Alaska.

    • Since this is an expensive state to love, there is no point in moving to Alaska without a job. Hence, visit the online sites and secure the best job opportunity.
    • Find the rental home or apartment before making a move.
    • Hire a professional moving service and get your relocation plan in motion.

    What is the average cost to move to Alaska?

    Since America’s Last Frontier is far away from the rest of the country, the cost of moving to Alaska is a bit higher. The moving cost can range from $10,000 to $20,000 for shifting items of a 3-4 bedroom home.

    Conclusion

    Alaska is a beautiful state with so much to offer to its residents, including breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and prosperous job opportunities. This state holds a broad range of native cultures and has a rich and unique history.

    This place owes much of its natural beauty to its isolation, and therefore, it comes with an expensive price tag.

    Almost everything has to be shipped into Alaska, which automatically drives up the cost of living. However, Alaskans often rank #1 out of 50 in terms of satisfaction with their standard of living.

    Alaska is one of the few states in the world that pay you for moving here. The person who has resided in this state for a year is eligible for the annual Permanent Fund Dividend.

    Alaska is probably the largest state in the union, but its highway system is nearly the smallest in the country. Therefore, you will need either a plane ticket or a boat to explore the stunning beauty of the state.

    This is all about moving to Alaska advice. We hope our guide will help you in making a successful move.

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