How Do People Afford to Live in Juneau Alaska: Considerations Before Moving

People can live just about anywhere nowadays and have access to some amenities, this includes Juneau, Alaska. But as with all things, you pay a price to live in paradise. Let's go ahead and dive into what it takes to live in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

How to Live in Juneau: Managing Your Budget

Juneau. Not a thing in this world falls short of knowing the breathtaking beauty that is Juneau, Alaska. These two syllables elicit feelings of emotional intensity, boundless joy, and endless wonder. There is no place in the world that I would currently rather be, than here. (Especially if you are a fan of hiking!)

However, Juneau is something of a difficult place to survive and thrive in. Below you can find detailed lists of groceries and bills. These will fall outside of whether you rent or own because those are dependent variables based on your buying power. There is a saying for moving to Juneau, and that is to “secure your housing first”  before anything else as it is the most difficult to achieve.

Renting

The average rent can be about $1600 - $2000. I have seen a single room in shared housing be $1600. The apartment we rent is 2 bedrooms over 1500 sq. feet and has water, trash, and snow removal included at a smooth $2000. A house to rent in the valley can run $2800 or more.

Utilities

INTERNET - Let's use the local GCI as that is a well known brand for internet in the Alaskan Panhandle. The basic plan is $89.99 for household internet without television. Each phone line added on is about $25 - $35 each depending on the data plan.

ELECTRIC - Electricity is a vast range from the summer months providing a lovely $80 power bill to the winter providing $300+. There is only one option and that is AEL&P.

Groceries

Running a tight ship and you can manage a $500 monthly grocery budget. Especially if you have friends or already have a boat and have access to fishing. If you understand foraging and what is edible in the area then there is also an amazing supply of things like blueberries, salmonberries, high-bush cranberries, etc.

However, let's pretend you are new to the area, don't know a lick about foraging, don't hunt, and have no friends, no fishing pole, and no boat. This means Costco will be your best friend for affordability. Do it on DAY 1. Go to Costco and get your membership. It is $60 a year and the best 60 you will spend in Juneau. 

Although I do enjoy going to Fred’s sometimes, as it is the closest thing to a Target, the prices here can add up fast. Certain stores will have availability for particular items while others don’t, I can find more "specialty" items at the Foodland or Superbear - but good luck on finding chutney anywhere!

Here is a table showing real time 2024 - 2025 grocery prices in Juneau Alaska. There is a variety of items showcased from all of the "main" stores listed in no particular rhyme or reason. I also added in items that I may have purchased at different stores to show if there is any price difference. UPDATE: Eggs are now $9+ for 24 at Costco.

COSTCO	FRED MEYER	FOODLAND	SAFEWAY
Banza Chickpea Pasta $8.99	Italian Cut Frozen Green Beans Kroger Brand 12 0z $2.29	5 Bananas $3.00	Cream Cheese $2.79
2 Pack Cheddar Jack Cheese $15.49	Land O Lakes 21 Oz Butter tub $8.49	Lettuce $2.99	Butter $7.49
Around 6 Pounds Ground Beef $29.14	1 Gallon FM Milk $4.69	Gallon Milk $4.69	JV Brats $6.99
Organic Bella Mushrooms $6.49	Lettuce Head $2.99	OJ $4.99	1 Garlic $.99
2 Pack Daisy Squeeze Sour Cream $4.79	Sara Lee MultiGrain Bread Loaf $5.99	Tomato $2.34	Sara Lee Bagels $4.49
Bag of Yellow Onions $5.49	Ball Park Franks Beef $6.99	1 Cucumber $1.69
Lamb Rib Rack $22.38	40 Pack Friskies Cat Food $34.99	Townhouse Crackers $5.39
10 Pound Baking Soda $6.99	HillShire Honey Ham $5.99	Progressive Beef Pot Roast Light Soup $4.79
2 Heads of Cabbage $4.99	Paper Towel 6pk $7.99	Diarygold Whole Milk $4.29
24 Eggs $4.89	Keilbasa Sausage $5.49	Roma tomato $1.99/LB
4Pk Jar Peaches $13.59	Froze Corn 3lb $6.49	Sara Lee Loaf $6.49
Dawn Dish Soap $12.39	3LB Bag Kroger Frozen Sweet Peas$6.49	Vicks 2 Pack DayQuil / Nyquil Honey $29.69
4Pk Bacon $16.99	Old El Paso Tortillas $3.49	Johnsonville Original Brats $7.19
Cascade Dishwasher Pods $23.79	ToothPaste $4.79	Romaine Lettuce $3.59
Beef Chunks $26.42	Greypoupon Mustard $5.49	Whole Mushroom $3.99
6 Packs Chicken Thighs $19.96	Tomatos $2.09
Sour Dough 3 Pack $9.29	12 Pack Charmin Toilet Paper $18.99
4 Pack Kirkland Stick Butter $14.49	Old El Paso Seasoning $0.56
Dyson Ball 3 $359.99	Femine Pads $4.79
Aveeno Daily Oatmeal Lotion 2 Pack $18.49	1.75 LB Brocolli Crown $4.21
String Cheese $13.99	Small quart Ice cream $5.49

From Home Depot we often buy a pack of firewood this price is .75 CU Feet SBC Premium Firewood for $7.97.

P.S. Don't even look at flowers near Valentine's Day, it is $50+ for roses that will die rather quickly. The best flowers are always the ones on manager's specials at Fred Meyer! This doesn't happen all the time but when it does it really is nice.

How Do People Afford to Live in Juneau Alaska - Your Strategic Guide for Moving to Juneau

Step 1: Financial Assessment & Employment

• Conduct a thorough evaluation of your financial situation, including at least 6 months of emergency savings. Research job opportunities before moving and ideally secure employment in advance. Government positions often offer the most stability, but competition is fierce. Consider that many private sector jobs are seasonal, which can impact annual income significantly.

  
  

Step 2: Housing Research & Planning

• Begin housing search 4-6 months before intended move date. Connect with local realtors and join community Facebook groups to monitor housing availability. Be prepared for limited options and high costs. Consider temporary housing for your first few months as finding permanent housing can take time.

  
  

Step 3: Location Selection

• Research different Southeast Alaska communities thoroughly (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, etc.). Each has unique characteristics, job markets, and accessibility challenges. Consider factors like medical facilities, schools, and transportation options specific to each location.

  
  

Step 4: Create a Detailed Budget (Accounting for Significantly Higher Costs)

• Groceries (40-50% higher than lower 48)

• Transportation (including potential boat/plane travel)

• Utilities (especially heating)

• Healthcare

• Housing (both purchase and rental markets)

  
  

Step 5: Transportation Planning and Determining How to Get Your Things to Alaska

• Barge services for vehicles and household goods

• Air freight options

• Moving company specializing in Alaska relocations

• Storage options during transition

• Driving through Canada

  
  

Step 6: Healthcare Considerations

• Local healthcare facilities' capabilities

• Insurance coverage in Alaska

• Medevac insurance options

• Distance to major medical centers

• Prescription medication access (Fred Meyer's, Costco, and Safeway all offer pharmacies for prescription pick-up)

  
  

Step 7: Climate & Lifestyle Adaptation

• Limited sunlight in winter

• Frequent precipitation (and by frequent... we mean a lot more rain than you have ever experienced before on a continuous level)

• Geographic isolation

• Reduced access to amenities

• Higher reliance on outdoor activities for recreation

  
  

Step 8: Community Integration Planning

• Join local social media groups

• Connect with community organizations

• Research volunteer opportunities

  
  

Step 9: Professional & Legal Preparation

• Update all important documents

• Update driver's license requirements

• Review tax implications

• Consider impact on professional licenses

Bonus Considerations:

• Mental Health Support: Consider how geographic isolation and weather patterns might affect your mental well-being. Research available support services.

• Pet Considerations: Understand additional costs and limitations for pet transportation, veterinary care, and housing with pets.

• Emergency Preparedness: Consider natural disasters, power outages, and supply chain disruptions. Plan accordingly with emergency supplies.

• Future Planning: Think about long-term goals. Is this a permanent move or temporary adventure? How might this impact retirement, career advancement, or family planning?

• Digital Connectivity: Research internet providers, cell phone coverage, and how limited connectivity might impact work and personal life, especially if planning to work remotely.

How to Live in Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines, Skagway, Wrangell, or Petersburg

It kind of all follows the same guidelines with an exception. Often people fly to Anchorage with large crates and bulk buy items they need. This is usually done with a group and extended to others as small communities often help each other in this way. There are boats and other various transport types keeping in mind that the more remote, the more expensive it will be to get certain goods there.

Key Points and Takeaways for Moving to Juneau, Alaska

Major Expenses for Juneau Residents Elaboration:

• Housing (mortgage/rent).

• Monthly housing costs consume approximately 40-50% of the average household's take-home pay in Juneau.

• Limited housing inventory drives up costs.

• Transportation.

• Vehicle maintenance costs are higher due to weather conditions and limited repair shop options.

• Many residents must budget for both vehicle expenses and ferry/air travel to reach other cities.

• Food

• Grocery bills can be 25-50% higher than comparable items in the continental United States.

• Families often invest in bulk storage and freezers to stockpile during sales periods.

• Utilities

• Heating costs fluctuate based on whether you are using electric, wood, or oil / a combination of them all.

• Internet and communications services command premium prices due to infrastructure challenges.

• Healthcare

• Limited medical facilities often necessitate expensive travel to larger cities for specialized care.

• Insurance premiums tend to be higher due to the remote location and limited provider options.

The Jaw Dropping Majesty of Juneau

It is no wonder that people flock to the cruises leading them on adventures around Southeast Alaska. It is a remarkable region known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Characterized by rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and lush, temperate rainforests. It is truly a unique and captivating experience but there is a high price and there is also an "ugly" side.

When the sun shines on bright spring day, you will say to yourself "Ah, there is no place in this world I would rather be." There is something about the good weather days that make you forget about the prices and the weather conditions for Juneau residents.

In regards to the "bad" things about Juneau, one is the large amount of folks who are unhoused who live under the bridges in downtown, behind Fred Meyer's, a camp near Thane, another near Cinema Drive, and a few spots Out the Road. Although there are warming shelters in the winter and social help, there are no places to house these individuals. There is also a large drug problem, property abandonment occurs due to the high prices of disposal (such as vehicles and household items / appliances), there is a lot bullying and jumping of kids in the high schools due to the large mixture of ages since there is only 1 high school for the area, the affect of tourism on the ecosystem, and so much more. Juneau is a special place, but the population ages and there is not a lot to offer the youth. Whether or not Juneau will stand the test of time will largely be based on the tourism sector, which to some ruins the peace that the nature here offers.

Hopefully this article has helped answer the age old question, "How Do People Afford to Live in Juneau Alaska". Please, leave any questions or comments below in regards to Juneau or learn more here.