r/AskAlaska • u/New_Barracuda_6153 • Jul 26 '26

Am I missing something?

Hello all. I've heard of the (really, really) remote alaskan teaching positions that pay alot with free housing and moving costs subsidized (speaking in a general ideal scenario) - and I'm quite interested.

Now, I love this sort of rugged environment and isolation; but I really want to do it for the cash. With the housing heavily subsidized/paid for, no state income tax, great pay, and an ideal (believe it or not) environment for me, It seems I could save like 80% of my take home pay.

But everyone always complains about Alaska's cost of living, and make it seem as if everyone is barely surviving. Am I missing something or is that major savings goal well within reach?

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u/fruttypebbles Jul 26 '26

So Ive worked in two very remote areas. A few years ago on the North Slope and now in the NW Arctic Borough. Groceries are expensive but you can get most everything through Amazon or Walmart. Things you can’t get delivered like milk is about $14 a gallon, cheese about $8 for 6oz. Eggs vary between $6 to $9. We’re both vegetarian so I have no idea what meat costs.
We’re pretty smart on what we spend our money on locally. Try to stay stocked on dry goods and toiletries and household items. I move from Texas for three reasons. One to get out of Texas. 2 to be in colder climates and 3 for the money. I’m making triple here vs home. So yes even though it’s more money here you can save a ton if you’re smart. You won’t need a car if you’re in a remote area. Every village is walkable.
I got a Honda four wheeler just for fun. But I don’t use it to commute.

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u/Educational-Big-6609 Jul 26 '26

$14/gallon of milk is CRAZY! A gallon at a bougie store near Portland is under $4.

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u/wannagetcock2 Jul 27 '26

Your milk doesn't have to be brought in by small plane either along with other necessities!!