In fact, according to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, over half of the households in rural Alaska are considered overcrowded.. Population 8,518 View Nearby Homes Alaska Real Estate Median Home Value $367,800 National $244,900 With the cost of a gallon of gas in Alaska at $3.36 according to GasBuddy, it is the sixth-highest in the whole country. The trails in the city are closed frequently because of bear activity. Saved one of the best pros of living in Alaska for last. In fact, according to the EPA, over 90% of the air quality monitoring sites in Alaska have air quality that is classified as good or moderate,. Median listing prices for other top cities in Alaska include $270,000 for Fairbanks, $339,900 for homes in Wasilla, and $250,000 for homes in Kenai. Fly from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and more. One reason is the states location near the ocean. Some residents have even come to see the insects as a source of entertainment, with some people holding mosquito calling contests to see who can attract the most mosquitoes with a particular sound or scent. It is really easy to start a business after you move to Alaska. For those who already live in Alaska, it is not surprising that their state was ranked #1 as the happiest place to live in America by a well-being study conducted by Gallup-Healthways in 2015. (Top 10 Reasons), Why Is Cancn So Expensive? Sitka has 15 fishing charter companies, while Skagway only has three. Compared to other locations in the country, even the southern locations of Alaska have more snowfall. $1,019 7% higher than the US average. Cost of Living in Sitka, Alaska. Even though the economy of Alaska is fueled by the oil and gas industry, you will discover that the cost of gasoline is much higher than it is in the continental 48 states. The Alaskan sky is light nearly all night long from late May to late July, with it being light past 10 pm for another month on either side of that. Alaska ranks second to Wyoming for the highest rate of suicide in the country. Should you move to Sitka, Alaska? You can limit this disadvantage by finding a home in or near Anchorage because there is a natural gas infrastructure that gives you access to this affordable fuel. Call it a way of life. In Alaska, there are two seasons, road construction and winter. Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, salmonberries can be found on Alaskas hiking trails. The city of Ketchikan, in particular, is known for its high levels of rainfall, with an average of over 150 inches per year. Alaska will never rank high from a culinary perspective, but there are a few quality meals to be found. Another reason why Alaskas air and water are so clean is the states commitment to protecting the environment. Loathe darkness, cold weather, rain, and high prices. And many more reasons why the residents of Alaska find it irresistible. But dont just take my word for it taste it for yourself and youll see that the succulent salmon, sweet crab, and delicious halibut are all world-class. Visitors can also go birdwatching in the states many wetlands and forests, or take a trip to see the Northern Lights. That means you are going to be struggling with about the same number of days with snow each year. Because Alaska is the least densely populated of the United States, you can unwind and relax in complete silence if you choose. Home ownership. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, nearly 75% of Alaska residents say that they know their neighbors well and feel a strong sense of community in their neighborhood. If you want to work as a freelancer or be self-employed, then you must become a business when you live in the state. Sitka cost of living is 116.6. The military base nearby and international immigration has created a cultural melting pot in the area. Another issue is the lack of available land for development. The daily commute in Alaskan cities is one of breathtaking views of lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and gleaming glaciers, which would make driving to work a pleasure for most residents. COST OF LIVING: Sitka: Alaska: USA Overall: 116.6: 116.5: 100 Grocery: 146.4: 141.7 . Alaska is a beautiful and unique state with a lot to offer retirees. Lets get started! According to Realtor.com, Anchorage's median listing home price was $339,000 in February 2022, trending up 7.9% year-over-year. There are many off-the-beaten-path natural hot springs and some easily accessible that residents and visitors can enjoy even in the winter. Alaska experiences long, dark winters and short, sunny summers. Backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, hang gliding, and so much more are available in Alaska because the summers are perfect for them. Alaska Will Pay You to Move There It typically occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. Thank you for taking the time to post this. If you decide to move in or around Anchorage, the weather may feel somewhat temperate, but you will experience a shorter summer. You get an opportunity to embrace a slower pace in life that focuses on individual dreams. Based on the 2017 cost of living study by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, monthly utility costs in the state are high. If you love the chaos and bustling pace of New York, you will go stir crazy in Anchorage or Juneau. If you have talked to people about moving to Alaska, then you might have heard that retail costs are higher in the state. Fairbanks, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and access to outdoor activities. Once you live here for a year or two, it is not unusual to encounter someone youve never met, but they already feel like they know you. The suns view so far north is unbelievable. Compare Now. Since so many of you are interested in what it's like to live in Alaska, here I break down the pros & cons after having lived here for over a year straight.C. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a large town or the seclusion of a remote area of the state, there are plenty of options throughout Alaska. You have to love it and love the lifestyle to justify staying long term. You have to be careful, though, since it is wilderness, and while they have a good Search and Rescue, sometimes they never find people who get lost, besides danger of slides, injuries. In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate in Alaska is higher than the national average, with 13.4% of residents living in poverty compared to the national average of 11.8%. Instead, it relies on other sources of revenue, such as taxes on oil and natural gas production, to fund state government services. Dwellics instantly analyzes thousands of relevant data points and your selected preferences like lifestyle, weather, community and more to find the perfect place for you to live. 10. Residents are not required to pay either income tax or sales tax. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the vacancy rate for rental units in Alaska is just 4.6%, which is well below the national average of 6.9%. Roads and transportation systems have become very reliable; however, in Alaska it hasnt always been and still isnt as easy as in other places. It is also legal to purchase marijuana from licensed retailers, and the state has established a system of taxes and regulations for the marijuana industry. One of the challenges of living in Alaska is the difficulty of obtaining fresh produce. In 1971, temperatures drop to a record -80F at Prospect Creek Camp. Coastal towns collect more than $60 million in revenue through the docking fees and other taxes. Some homes can get through the season using coal or wood with an interior stove to limit costs, but you will be trading time for money with that choice. At Point Barrow, the sun does not set from May 10 to August 2. This means that locally-grown fruits and vegetables may only be available for a few months out of the year, further limiting options for consumers. Many areas of the state are only accessible by boat, plane, train, or floatplane and cannot be reached by car. And the road systems are fine with me, too. If you want to acquire a boat in Sitka, charter boats are another terrific opportunity to check out . The lack of available housing in Alaska, particularly in rural areas, can make it difficult for residents to find a place to live. It is not unusual for you to start pursuing an idea today, and then be ready to start earning money in a week or two. 5. A gallon of milk can cost double what it would in other states. Contrary to what many people believe, living in Alaska is actually quite expensive with the cost of living nearly 30% higher than the national average. 56% 12% lower than the US average. Because not all companies ship products to Alaska, obtaining the items you ordered can be a problem. Many of Alaskas rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, cruise the coastal waters by boat or take a flightseeing tour of glaciers. People are going to take an individual approach to how they manage their time. This makes it the 47th most populous state in the United States. The majority of people in the state are homeowners, however. Despite these challenges, there are efforts underway to improve access to fresh produce in Alaska. The most notable of them is Mt. This park is home to many different species of animals, including bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. This can make it difficult to access basic services and amenities, such as medical care and grocery stores. Whether youre in the mood for a hearty fish stew, a delicious salmon salad, or simply a steaming plate of steamed crab legs, youll be able to find it all in Alaska. The states leaders at the time believed that a state sales tax would be burdensome for businesses and residents, and opted not to impose one. It is essential to remember that costs are higher in Alaska. Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sitka, Alaska, we publish them here. After all, as they say, laughter is the best medicine, and theres no shortage of dark humor to be found in the Land of the Midnight Sun. In the summer, the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. For example, if the price of oil drops or there is a decline in the demand for fish, it can have a negative impact on the states economy. Many families can still save money because of how taxes are structured here. 8. Prices for both of those items are obscene.