MUST WATCH if Moving to Alaska! - Hidden Costs of Living in Remote in Alaska

[@amylee6038]

We burn 14 cords a year minimum. The most ever was 22 cords. Three stoves. Main cabin, shop, and outdoor hot tub. When we had the shop heated all winter it was 22 cords. We have the hot tub running about half the days of the winter. Sixteen seasoned and delivered cords would be $6,400 locally. But you'd have to earn $8,500 of income in order to pay the income + social security tax to have that much left over to buy wood. It's ten bucks a cord on state land, 3 cord minimum - that's where your $30 figure comes from. We also harvest on a friend's commercial stand. Smaller stuff he doesn't sell. Doing our fishing, hunging, gardening, wood collection, and all our mechanic/construction/plumbing etc. ourselves means we look poor on paper and are in a much lower tax bracket. We built 3 structures on this property and harvested the logs ourselves, milled lumber, screened gravel, dug the septic, made our own concrete, along with buying a lot of materials at steep discounts on craigslist. We own our equipment - bulldozer, backhoe, dump truck, logging/milling equipment, plow truck, etc. and have a fully equipped 50 x 24 shop we built to maintain and fix everything including a supercub and 24 foot riverboat. Once you have six figures of equipment on hand, it's really cheap to live like this, lol.

[@healthywildandfree9778]

The dream right here! 🙌

[@Whatt787]

Damn, that firewood is expensive, $400 a cord!

[@Whatt787]

Half the days? If I lived in Alaska, I'd be using that Hot Tub 24/7

[@joycewedel9084]

Alone.... You are sooooo thorough & such a HUGE help with anyone interested to move there. Absolutely perfect informative information! Couldn't be better! You'll probably have more info on another video like all the tools/equipment needed & we know power tools are so expensive. Because of Alaska's weather seems like its endless things needed & ongoing repairs. Like things you still need that'll be super helpful but expensive.... Like a snow blower, gas for that, chainsaw, pickup truck, new outhouse especially for guests & your greenhouse or more fencing or electric fencing to keep out animals especially dangerous ones, guns & ammunition like you have, Rodent & Insect elimenaters, more vehicle maintenance & repairs because of the lands there with more wear & tear, stockpiling of foods and beverages for many months ahead when the weather closes down roads or store power outages or grid down & nowhere in walking distance for something you need. Stockpiling pet foods also & some household items like soap, toilet paper, compost toilet & lotsa pine chips, disposable or permanent lighters, many extra blankets/quilts, butane or propane. I'm a smoker so I would definitely have to make sure I stockpiled enough cigarettes for a year cuz if I was trapped inside that long I would go absolutely crazy without them as well as my coffee. Like I said.... Endless expenses forever due to distances & weather.

[@pujabelgian]

My advice, don't ever leave the city!

[@sugarwoofle6067]

Thank you so much for your videos. Ive wanted to live in Alaska since I was 10 years old. Im going to be 34 this year and have a little money saved and so these videos really break down a lot of costs which will help me know how much more i need to save. You're amazing and I truly appreciate your videos.❤

[@akomni-vr5gt]

Good Explanation! As a 30 year resident I have lived a combination of on grid off road, on road off grid, using solar, wood heat, generator, and battery only and inverter with battery, solar and wood heater with kerosene and Toyo as primary with others as backup. Of course every system digs in your wallet but if you plan it out, it all works out for what you need at that particular time as long as your able to function to the degree needed to get thing's done!

[@ck7863]

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@richardkotowski2268]

The sky is better when your living the best way to embellish one's life through just trying different things that you give to yourself. I appreciate your uplifting message about consciously making a effort that it should matter to have a great life. Take care thanks for the Alaskan life you love.

[@AnneHeyns]

Take my hat off to you! So brave doing it alone! Kind of you to share the answers to questions I'm sure many people have about moving there. I subscribed.

[@neverendingluau]

Living in Juneau is super expensive. Living outside of the bigger towns is prohibitively expensive! Good video! ❤❤

[@nicsxnin6786]

Just subscribed! I have always dreamed of living in Alaska. Look forward to seeing your content.

[@sheilabundren2037]

All very interesting. Thanks for covering this topic.

[@63Clocks]

Great info, thanks Alone!

[@feellnfroggy]

If your burning spruce or birch it’s softwoods, so now you have cost of annual chimney sweep. Softwoods leave a lot of creosote. Hardwoods are best.

[@edwardparkhurst9804]

Wonderful experience to watch your channel ma'am. I have subscribed to your channel and your friend that fixed your truck. You are living the life many people wish they could have. Quite frankly it's impressive.

[@newenglandcoast7121]

The effort that you put into your videos is incredible; it is SO evident! The valuable information you generously share with your viewers as well as the breathtaking scenery is so appreciated! Wishing you a happy, healthy rest of the winter. You are an amazing woman, I have mad respect! 👍👍❤️ (from Cape Cod, MA)

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I love Cape Cod!

[@dndmnfarm]

Great video, as always! You've done a lot of work to make your place as great as it is, and you're very resourceful. You're the toughest chick I know, mentally and physically. Cheering you on from MN!

[@myreasonforlife.9511]

Gotta love those bengermans!! Income tax coming soon. Tunning in for Khnine. Thumbs up.❤

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Great info. We just had the well water tested and it was surprising. For the cost of land here it is pricey but we won't complain as the cost today seems to be more. Raw land is a blessing, for future builds and gardens. We only burn wood. They came and took our propane tanks (backup). We burn about 15 cords but not true cords and wood is messy. We look forward to an outdoor broiler system.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Alone please make sure to clean that wood stove more often when burning the spruce. The old owners of our home use to burn spruce and they had chimney fires.

[@akomni-vr5gt]

You won't like feeding that monster once you start burning biomass for heat, sources for the monster are few and far between and it takes an inordinate amount of time and prep to feed the monster, even if you have full truck loads dropped in front of it you need to cut, stack burn, I know folks that were loggers with their own truck that had issues of supply, take heed if your in a cold environment!

[@northerngirlhobbies]

@@akomni-vr5gt we feed the beast in a cold climate.

[@merlin6625]

I'm 60 and alone and thinking 🤔 of moving to Alaska, I love the nature and sights. But, I'm not moving there without having somewhere to go. I'm saving for some land and I could build my own cabin. Good video thanks!! 😊

[@AlaskaMyHeart]

Alone! This was a wonderful video. You’re right I did not know or think of some of those hidden cost! Sometimes the excitement just gets in the way. This makes you stop and think! I for one didn’t know that you may not be able to cut your own trees! Great video again. I know that we definitely appreciated this video! You’re the best sis! Take care! ❤. Have a fun week. Oh and if you see me live again with a bunch of loud first responders presence it’s just our big Mardi Gras parade! I should be live on Tuesday at some point! It’s a all day of loud noise! ❤. I remember how you caught me last time and was worried if something happened. Have a great week Alone!

[@irahandwerker8557]

hi video with such well thought oput and valuable information my impression is that alaska is not a reason to move to to for less expensive living with all the extra costs but the beauty is priceless. for senior citizens on fixed incomes they might consider else where

[@lisaogg6337]

Great information. thanks. Hugs and kisses to sweet Kenai. Take care and God Bless

[@cosmicwings7211]

hello mrs Alone. you are incredibly thorough in your thinking and presentation. You could really teach people. I really like your haircut. Thank you for all your commitment to your videos. stay healthy and happy, you and kenai. Kind regards from Italy, ❤🎉

[@JudyMackirdy-v7r]

Hi from Canada 🇨🇦 Thanks for this video .I was amazed by the costs of things in Alaska

[@warwizard2870]

Now, I'm an Electrical engineering technician, 40 years experiance, so when I bought my land I was already aware that the cost to connect to the local grid electricity was $65,000 to $100,000 dollars, then buy electricity at 22.5 to 23.5 cents per KW. I have an old river bank on my land that no longer has a river thanks to the '64 quake. The bank runs generally E-W and the slough is to the south, and the land in the slough is mine and 90% of the spruce are beetle killed. So given this circumstance, I decieded to overproduce electricity with a large set of three sun tracking mounts, so that I get enough electricity in the winter to provide for a set of essentials. Removing the beetle killed spruce is only 50% done at this time. Results: power use/generation, summer 3 MW, winter 1 MW. Have to supplement with propane heat for the 5 weeks around the winter solstice due to the trees are shading the panels by 50% on the winter solstice day. How it works: When batteries charge or discharge, they produce heat, so called "waste heat". Well with the Lithium batteries installed in my living quarters, I use this waste heat to heat my connex. I also installed R30 insulation and did not use any studs or framing, so it is a true R30, and I have an artic entry so I minimize heat loss from going in and out. No wood stove, or oil heater, and just one or two 20# tanks of propane needed for supplemental heat. 20# tanks are 3 1/2 gallons of liquid propane (in that ball park, depending on how cold it is.). I have 4, 48VDC 19.1 KWH capacity Lithium batteries. These charge at a rate of a bit more than 2 KW/Hr, with a daily usage of about 16KWH my batteries fully charge in two hours, 4 hours if it is overcast. My panels are rated at 13.6 KW in full sun, but I need 2-4 more batteries to utilize the full capacity of my panels. I am planning on installing a class two EV charging station with a small dry cabin for overnight charging customers. (EV charging needs about 60KWH my 4 batteries can support one charge cycle, 8 batteries can do two charge cycles). Please note I am in RURAL Alaska, not remote, I am half a mile from the parks hwy, and can support the ocasional tourist with an EV car.

[@cecilianagy3562]

Very thorough and informative video, thank you. Never knew Alaska was this expensive.

[@mywildholm]

Wow!! Who would have thought! 💰 So informative! A bit more spenny than I thought it would be... You've got an amazing place there! Lovely footage too 💚

[@j.chriswatson6847]

Good breakdown. So hard to get a solid foundation to work the numbers on living up there. Even though I might have a slight advantage in the learning curve from living there previously, the truth is I was working for Uncle Sugar and left there decades ago. Up to date and relevant economic data trumps the memories of broke down fat and grump former resident with dreams of grandiosity. Great video.

[@norm5785]

Thank you for sharing. You are correct everyone uses different amount of utilities. Will depend on csbin size etc. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@chrigdichein]

awesome, thank you for that insight from off grit living in Australia. Next to solar we run a small diesel generator for washing machine, dishwasher or charging batteries. Luckily we have lots of sun and little clouds or snow (its so steaming hot, we pray to the god of air conditioning) 😂

[@robertjones-iv7wq]

Girl, you are looking VERY stressed. This was a well done video. I like the concerns & explanations, forthrightness. Good luck. I'm rural, but on Vancouver Island and things are quite a bit simpler...Not necessarily cheaper, but simpler.

[@clintgilchrest1019]

I've said it before and I'll say it again... you would be a great school teacher... very informative....👍👍

[@india1422]

There is more to teaching than" being informative".

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Word of advice on figuring commercial electricity is that you can't just go by the published rate. Depending on where you are there can be a multitude of taxes and fees added on which can easily amount to your bill being double what you'd expect.

[@jeffreytrahan6320]

With all the snow you receive you have all the water you need you could probably store 20 to 30 thousands of gallons of water and have hot water and just filter it 😉

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting/informative/entertaining. Good video coverage of the different terrains. Giving viewers a better idea of what the orator is describing. An individual needs to be in relatively good health & resourceful. Winter months can be very challenging and dangerous. Especially for the handy capped/elderly/claustrophobic.😳

[@ibislife]

I live remote in Norway, and the first thing i did, before my house, was to install a well and a sewage system. I have electricity. Wouldnt live without it. 🙂Oil burners like yours are banned here.

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

The wonderfull EU, making life harder for their citisens ...

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

I heard, they want to ban wood stoves too ...

[@Dz-tt9vg]

​@@MrGigi-dz9cvcant stand it.🇧🇻

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

@@Dz-tt9vg They seem from another planet...

[@oliverjackson3461]

Good educational video about the cost of living in Alaska. Living in a remote area can be quiet but cost money. I love the thought of using a wood stove and cutting the wood for it. Stay safe and warm.

[@carriann3725]

Thank you for your video on the reality of costs living in Alaska. Never realized all the hidden costs. Also Thank you for explaining the electric bill costs. I had no idea. Now I can figure out how to cut down on my electric bill. Once again your videos are very educational. Thank you my friend. 🤗💖

[@brendahone2509]

Great to see you. Always look forward to you videos.

[@CreatorInTrng]

Straight up talk. Thanks for sharing. AND, many of the things you mentioned apply to wherever and however you live.

[@neveser]

Solid video, TY. The romantic in me looked at moving there years ago but I quickly learned of the extras... I'm good in the lower 48. Should finances take a major swing into the positive... I'd love to live there.

[@PulpParadise]

You can save yourself a lot of money on electricity simply by upgrading what you're using. Replace those old 60 watt bulbs with new energy efficient bulbs that operate at closer to 1/10th of the power. For heating, the larger the space, the more you have to heat. Looking at Alaska real estate, it's astounding to me how many people have multi-thousand foot houses (yours included) that they then have to spend excessive amounts of money to heat. How much space do you really need? Everyone is different, but the smaller the space, the less you need to clean, heat, etc. (I'm not criticizing your purchase as, I hope, you got a great deal on this property and you get what you can.) That being said, if you find yourself with a large space to heat, why not partition off the part you actually need to live in and only heat that area? As an example, four poster beds came into vogue in olden days because they would hang blankets from the posts to contain the body heat and make it that much warmer inside the larger room. Now you can take that principle and "cut down" the space you have to heat by creating a smaller living space within your home. (This is the first video I've watched from you, so I don't know if you're already doing that. I have subbed though. ;-)) Another issue is that heat rises and most people enjoy high ceilings (as do I) but that also means they're paying to heat an area that is definitely not livable unless it includes a sleeping loft, etc. A ceiling fan can help to relocate that heat more efficiently at a fairly low cost. If ever there was an argument for solar and wind energy, this video would win it. Living remotely and paying $7k - $14k per 300 ft. of line?!? I don't think so. Great video, extremely well researched and very informative! Thank you!

[@j.r.3215]

First comment again, so either I was waiting for this episode or I have no life. I guess I am actually a hermit and I am also my best friend.

[@thesun-N-moon8885]

⁠Wow, such a bold statement from someone who doesn’t know her personally. To suggest she is wasting herself as a lady living HER DREAM is crazy!! I mean there’s bugs and cold weather issues in many places do you think those people are wasting themselves…. I’m going to ASSume you are a male but only because you are pretty bold trying to speculate what a “glamorous” life should look like for a female. Anyways this is glamorous living to some of us and we are only able to live it through Alone and her beautiful way of sharing it…… Stay safe out there.

[@Sherry-v2w]

@@thesun-N-moon8885I think you are jumping to conclusions and judging. I don’t think the commenter was badmouthing Alone but merely referring to him/herself with self deprecating humor. Maybe you should get a sense of humor?

[@myreasonforlife.9511]

First for what, we don't act like that here. I'll mail u some sage or cookies 😅

[@marianfrances4959]

😂

[@livingintheforest3963]

@@myreasonforlife.9511 Yikes everybody’s a little testy on here. I’m just glad she has a new episode. I enjoy all of them!!! ✌🏻

[@rudolphferdinand3634]

Delta Junction, if you want to ice box, is the place to go. Alaska resident 45 years South Central Alaska, home.

[@judyoliver533]

Great info

[@lisaget2508]

Great video and highest respect for not giving personal expenses or property value. You handled that with grace and professionalism. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all. I have been viewing your material since you started. I have a beautiful piece of property in Maine and would love your lifestyle but my husband would not so I can live the life vicariously through you. I’m happy you are able to do your videos full time. Best wishes, good health and God bless !

[@ericschwepker2906]

You always provide great and useful information. I'm learning alot from you.

[@judyrosy]

Great info!! LOVE the haircut! Adorable.

[@Jen_Manders]

Thank you so much!! This video was amazing!

[@williamsedlock3903]

Very nice videos well put together

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

This was full of so much information. You really did your homework for us. Ty Alone. Please stay safe.

[@erikguth4830]

Dang lady I don’t know where to begin. I’m overwhelmed but equally grateful for your video information. Perhaps all the adventure shows should pay you a stipend for your accurate contribution to “reality”. Fantasy and facts are matched by polar opposites aren’t they now? Personally I hate when the 19 - 20 year old couple claims their Alaska home budget is like $500-$900-K. Ugh. Anyway epic info that you’ve shared. Also I’m forever grateful that you’re not like “ Sue”. All those “Isim’s” have kept me from that fantasy life. Anyway very smart video to make and hope you get “bank” out of your efforts.

[@deansmith9232]

Thank you for great article well explained wonderful ❤!

[@Gator-357]

My aunt moved to Chicken, AK from Honolulu back in 1989 and things were expensive back then, I can only imagine what it costs to live up there these days when you're paying 2,3,4 and more times what we pay in the lower 48.

[@bhaltazhar105]

Wow! You got it together and thanks for the information and if you ever need a roommate let me know? Peace out. 🕯🕯🕯

[@PandJsHomesteadAdventure]

Hi Alone! Good to see you! Jason and I always look forward to your videos. Great hidden cost info to help those that are thinking about moving to Alaska. We are almost caught up on your videos! We started from day one! See you on the next one.

[@barbn1211]

You are so smart! Subbing to watch you succeed!

[@chipmirror7236]

It's nice to see that your number of subscribers is still growing. Do you think that there are many abandoned properties in Alaska? Thanks for sharing knowledge and experience with us.

[@marystubb6099]

Thank you for all the info. A person can use this for buying anywhere. Take care. 74 and still learning.

[@frankprit3320]

this was a really good video. thank you

[@ericwitt4586]

Y’all burn pine we burn red oak white oak and hickory it burns cleaner and longer and hotter at my off grid cabin I’ve got propane too if I run outta wood which don’t ever happen my fireplace heats my cabin well with the fan going too

[@PaulBeck-ie2um]

Thank you. My brother lives i😅n Palmer after living in Ketchikan for several years. Ketchikan must be the Las Vegas of Alaska.

[@denisestarr2314]

I lived in alaska in my late 20s . Jobs were hard to find and it was exspencive. I'm now offgrid in west arkansas .I live cheep .

[@jamesesslinger1976]

I am seeing that 60k will get you a nice homestead. Knowledge and labor will help keep your yearly spending down. I have seen a person maintain 40 acres of land for 2k a year cost of living total including taxes, food ect. If you do not have the knowledge or able to work 60 hours minimal of labor, then you will have to pay more to live for sure.

[@Pinkyjojo29]

In my youth I dreamed about living off the land in remote Alaska ...but now, at middle age, i decided I don't care for snow that much. And care for cold even less

[@grumpyjamaican]

hi there ,,,this is a very informative video thanks for sharing very much appreciated,,regards GJ

[@jeanbaker6073]

You have a lovely cabin you done so well x

[@kevinwiley9696]

AWESOME Information Alone!! Thanks for the thorough explanation!!

[@billholden5271]

Hello Alone, boy was this an eye opening video. So many things I never thought about. Thank you so much for doing this for us. Also I bought a hoodie sweatshirt from your store. I absolutely love it. Great for the winters. Take care and thanks again.

[@lilbo1Y1]

great information great video

[@eprofengr6670]

Good info. Thanks. Have you found that there are many comedy clubs, or live music places in Alaska?

[@kendallyankee1007]

Easy way to very rough estimate appliance usage quickly off the top of your head... 1000 w on 120v = 10 amps, 5 amps on 240v.

[@weedeater6946]

Great info :) Thx Alone !

[@frankprit3320]

i've got one of those propane wall heaters but i'd rather have a TOYO oil heater. the propane heaters really don't have a good heat regulation system on them. it's either off or so hot it's running you out of the room, plus i would be scared to leave the house with one running for fear of it burning the house down. they are good to give you some quick heat at 4:AM when the wood stove is out.

[@Whatt787]

Nice big cabin

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Great info

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

Great information to consider. Peace

[@grannyjuju9260]

I have been looking at properties and a lot of them are half built! Crazy!

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

Thank you Alone!

[@occamsrazor7939]

Thank you. Good info.

[@givhansbear]

Hellfire new to your channel some good info young lady.

[@brucegelman5582]

Those KWH'S are wicked high.Roughly triple the lower 48!

[@Sarahdrybones]

I can remember when a cord of wood was 65 bucks 😊

[@rusticlogcabinlife9443]

Miss Alone Living in a 12x16 log cabin has costs involved with the operation. When i got my first property tax bill i wasnt informed, Losts of costs with home ownership. Yeah, BigT

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Thanks for sharing

[@paulatubbs-kf1wk]

Hi Alone, thank you for this information 😊

[@erwinoutdoor4960]

You are a crazy but good woman, all the best and best regards from Germany

[@MENSA.lady2]

I like AK. Went to Lake Hood to get a float plane rating on my pilots licence. I love the 'Can do' attitude of the people. But live there, No thanks. I can cope with the climate but not the cost.

[@deeregirl7356]

Hello Blessed Friend , when will you do more cooking videos?

[@fuzztfork8]

GREAT JOB KID..

[@joycewedel9084]

Alone.... Just curious.... Do any cabins ever have a boiler or furnace? Ty.

[@rokonmontana7457]

Apples to apples everything is relatively great video

[@frankprit3320]

great video. im paying about $300 for a cord of wood delivered here in the lower 48

[@linannskillings5050]

Love your hair

[@delta7087]

This is my dream to do. I have a million questions I would love to ask. I wish there was a way to be able to do that. I’m so tired of the hustle and bustle. I’ve been thinking about this for years now.

[@jaxmaria]

Thanks for the info.. I couldn’t ever live there..lol⛄️

[@Nikit-x4f]

Welcome to Alaska, you are one tough woman, l have been living here all my life, and tell you. Winters are very long, summers are beautiful, and seem kinda short, I’m curious did you have a chance to try Rosie’s Pasta, made locally in sterling Alaska, three bears carry it. It’s amazing!!

[@robinhines655]

I just watched one of your videos where you went grocery shopping. Vould not get over the prices. So high. How do you do it?

[@Sarahdrybones]

Don't forget insulation. The better insulation the less use for heating supplies

[@tonysimons7218]

You can’t just compare property that is for sale, you need to compare sold like properties…..preferably in the last 30 days. That you you find a comp.

[@debadams4831]

What temp do you generally keep your cabin?