Cost of Living

"What does it cost to live in Alaska?" Alaska has a reputation for being an expensive place to live. But what is the reality? The answer varies from person to person. No two households spend their money in exactly the same way; however, everyone needs certain basic things, including food, housing, heating fuel, transportation and medical care.

The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association’s comparison of some common items shows the variability in costs from city to city. Not surprisingly, living in Alaska comes with a price, but the cost differences are less than one might expect. And there are offsetting factors. For example, Alaska has no statewide income tax—in fact; a dividend is paid each resident every year from the Alaska Permanent Fund.

Cost of Goods, 2007

Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association, Urban Area Index Data for Fourth Quarter 2007. Costs in Wasilla are assumed to be similar to Anchorage

Housing

Wasilla and the surrounding area offer a variety of housing styles and values, giving potential residents a wide range of choices. The majority of housing in Wasilla can be characterized as single-family homes situated on large lots in a semi-rural area.

Buyers get more housing value for their money in the Mat-Su Valley than in Anchorage. The average sales price for a home in the Mat-Su Borough was $222,000 in 2007. This is approximately 30% less than the average house in Anchorage.

Rental housing is more affordable in the Mat-Su Valley. The cost for a 2 bedroom apartment in Wasilla will range from $700 to $900 per month.

A large amount of vacant, subdivided land is available for single-family or multiple-family residential use in Wasilla. Several large un-subdivided tracts are available for development.

In addition to year-round residences, there are over 5,000 seasonal, recreational or occasional homes in the Mat-Su Borough. Link http://www.alaskarealestate.com/

Utilities