Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Lily Connel
Alaska is a beautiful place to live. It’s so easy to see why so many people decide to move there. However, it’s not always easy living in Alaska. There’s fishing, hunting, and beautiful scenery. But, the state is still relatively new and has a lot of issues with infrastructure. Plus, there’s a huge cost of living that many people can’t handle.
If you’re thinking about moving to Alaska, you need to know all the pros and cons before you make that final decision.
Pros of Living In Alaska – The Comparison Table
| Serial | Pros of Living In Alaska | Cons of Living In Alaska |
| 1. | Alaska’s local taxes are low. | Self-employment is difficult in Alaska. |
| 2. | Alaska is a great place to start a business. | Fuel prices in Alaska are shockingly high. |
| 3. | Alaska is a state in America that does not have an income tax. | The living cost is High. |
| 4. | Alaska is a great place to work. | The opioid epidemic is causing an increase in crime. |
| 5. | In Alaska, summer daylight lasts for 24 hours. | During the winter, you need an extra budget to survive. |
| 6. | The perfect place to learn winter sports. | Alaska is prone to earthquakes. |
| 7. | Alaska is the best place to enjoy outdoor activities. | Life in Alaska is really slow. |
Pros of Living In Alaska:
1) Beautiful Scenery
Alaska has so much to offer for nature lovers. From the rugged mountains of Denali National Park to the glaciers in Glacier Bay, Alaska has a lot of natural beauty. The state is known for its vast wilderness and amazing national parks.
2) Low Cost Of Living
Alaska has a very low cost of living, especially when compared to other U.S. states such as New York or California. The average cost of renting a house is around $1,200 per month, which is much cheaper than most other states in the nation. Food prices are also relatively reasonable and gas prices are about average for the country.
3) Great Fishing And Hunting
If you’re an avid fisherman or hunter, then you will love Alaska. The state has a huge variety of fish and wildlife that are popular among fishermen and hunters. The fishing industry is one of the largest in the United States and there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to get out on the water.
4) Relaxing Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Alaska is very laid back, which will be great for people who want to escape from their hectic lifestyles. People who move to Alaska value their time outdoors, so there are plenty of activities to do during the day such as hiking, fishing, or hunting. Even though it’s a slower pace than other states, you can still find opportunities for employment in the restaurant or retail industries.
5) Low Crime Rates
When compared to other states in the country, Alaska has very low crime rates. If you’re looking for a place that is safe and peaceful, then Alaska might be the place for you.
Cons Of Living In Alaska:
1) Cold Weather
Alaska has a very cold climate that is not suitable for everyone. The average temperature during the winter months is around -20 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be too cold for many people. The summers are also very cool and cloudy, which makes it difficult to go outside and enjoy the sunshine.
2) Difficult To Find Employment In Alaska
The unemployment rate in Alaska is high when compared to other U.S. states. The economy in Alaska is very dependent on the oil industry, so if oil prices are low then the state will experience high rates of unemployment.
3) Snowy Winters
Alaska has a very snowy winter season, which can make it difficult to travel around and enjoy your surroundings. The snow can be up to six feet deep and there are many days when you will only see about five hours of daylight, which can make it difficult for people who want to go outside and enjoy the sunshine during the day.
4) Short Stays In Hospitals
If you need to go to a hospital in Alaska, then you should be prepared for a short stay. The average hospital stay in Alaska is only two days, which is significantly shorter than the national average.
5) High Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Alaska is very high when compared to other U.S. states. Groceries are more expensive and there are very few discounts on items that you buy every day. The cost of housing is also much higher than it is in other states, so you will have to save money for a long time if you want to purchase your own home.
6) Weather Affected By Global Warming
Alaska is a state that is very susceptible to global warming and other climate changes. The temperature has been rising in Alaska over the past few decades, which is causing the ice caps in Alaska to melt. This melting ice could cause some major issues for Alaska in the future.
All You Need To Know About Alaska
In 1741, a Russian expedition led by Vitus Bering reached the eastern coast of Alaska. In 1778, another Russian expedition led by Aleksandr Baranov founded the first permanent European settlement in Alaska at Three Saints Bay. By the 1880s, trapping and fishing had become important economic activities in the region. The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7 million; it was then divided into two territories—the Department of Alaska and the District of Alaska—and granted self-government in 1912 by an act of Congress. On January 3, 1959, a magnitude 9.2 earthquake struck near Anchorage, killing about 130 people and causing about $115 million in property damage (equivalent to $1.5 billion in 2018).
Alaska’s economy depends on oil drilling, tourism, and federal subsidies. The state government is heavily dependent on oil revenues, which account for half of the state’s unrestricted operating funds. Oil prices have been low throughout the 2000s (decade) and Alaska has had to dip into its “rainy day” fund to cover operating expenses, as well as to pay for state government operations and capital projects. Alaska has no income tax or sales tax, although most towns and cities levy a local sales tax. Alaska is not an income tax haven because the state government collects a corporate income tax, with rates ranging up to 9 per cent depending on the city or borough. Alaska is ranked last or near-last in the United States in most socio-economic indicators, including average wage. In 2007, Alaska’s economy was described as being in a “permanent recession.”
Conclusion:
Overall, Alaska is a state that is very beautiful and peaceful, but it can be difficult for people who do not like snow or cold weather. The cost of living in Alaska is very high and the employment rates are low. If you’re looking for a place that has low crime rates and a friendly population, then you might want to consider moving to Alaska.
