a question about alaska?

Question

i know that things are expensive in alaska, but do they tax groceries up there? i'm moving there, and would like to know. even though, i will probably go to the commisary, i just want to know if groceries are taxed outside of base. I know things are expensive!!! thanks for the answers ahead of time

Answer 1

You will be surprized when you get there and see prices are not as high as you are being led to believe. I don't remember the stores in Fairbanks at all, we were haveing motorhome problems and had to get to Anchorage, fast.

Wal Mart is not that good of store in Alaska. I understand the one in Wasilla, near Anchorage, is being converted to a Super Center, that will help. All the others are like the small stores in the lower 48, not to much in groceries.

Safeway is a better grocery store. Fred Meyers is the store in Alaska. They make Wal Mart look like gas stations. Be sure to ger a card for each store, that's the only way to get the big discounts. These stores have the big selection and everything isn't made in China.

Alaska does not have a state sales tax, that can be changed at the drop of a hat. Alaska depends upon the dividend they get from the oil companies for operating expenses. Some of the small towns do impose a sales tax, I don't remember tax on food. It seems we were taxed on campgroungs we stayed at.

Fuel prices are about the same a Montana, higher than Texas not lower that too many. Wendys in Anchorage didn't have a 99 cent menu, it was $1.49. Alaskan Amber beer war rather high, we paid $4.95 a bottle in Skagway. I purchased Ice House for under $5.00 a six pack in '06.

What is expensive is heating, you will see wood piles larger that many houses in Florida. We eat simple meals so we didn't notice high food prices, that could happen in the winter.

Read my Blog on Yahoo 360 for photos and comments on out 2006 Alaska trip.

Good luck and thank you for being in the military.

Answer 2

Depending where in Alaska you end up stationed, will determine the sales tax. As Arthur mentioned Anchorage has no sales tax, neither does Fairbanks; but some of the out lying areas such as Wasilla, Palmer, Delta Junction do have a modest sales tax.

Prices on certain items will be considerably higher such as dairy, produce, and alcohol (beer tends to be a about the same as down below), soda pop is higher (even more than beer); but dry goods are fairly comparable to what you see down south.

The PX/Commissary will have better prices at times, but you really have to watch closely. Generally speaking, meat, and dairy are much cheaper on base.

If you are stationed in the Anchorage area, you will find prices a bit lower than Fairbanks. But either way, I think you'll find it easy to get along, as neither has any sales tax.

Don't forget to file for your PFD (Alaska Permanent Fund) after your first year in residence!

Welcome to our state, and thanks to your family for serving our country!

Answer 3

Welcome to the best state in the union! Keep in mind that aside from wonderful summertime local veggies, all food must be imported (ship/air/truck) from Outside. I found most prices within reason, though. You will love it here. There is so much to do and see that you will be too busy to worry about food prices. Everyplace takes coupons. Always check the sales ads in the newspapers.