The RIDICULOUSLY expensive cost of living in Nome, Alaska (you won't believe how much water costs)

This week dad (Steve Riedel) joins me and Alex to show you just how expensive it is to live in Nome! We shop for groceries, beer, vehicles, utilities, and other regular goods and services and compare those prices to those you might find in a big city like Seattle, Washington.

Alaska consistently ranks at the top of the list of highest-cost of living states in the US because of its extreme weather, lack of infrastructure, remoteness, and low population density. However, Alaska is divided even further between those who live on the road system that is connected to Canada and the US, and those who don't. And for those places aren't connected to the road, like Nome, the costs of local goods and services can make your jaw drop.

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[TheEmilyRiedel]

Thanks for watching everyone! What do you think should we have Dad back on the channel in future videos?

[jowens]

My nexct door neighbor works exclusively in Alaska as a contractor. He owns a shed up there somewhere. He stores all his equipment there. Brings all his crew up from Florida with him. They make almost 3x what they can make doing the same work here in florida. It does cost more to live there though, but they mostly sleep in the building he has. They also bring a truckload of supplies from Florida so they dont have to buy stuff like Water at $10 a bottle. Doing that allows him to work 2 - 3 months up there, then come home for a month then back again. He only works about 8 months a year and takes home over double what he would make here after all the bills are paid.

[ItalianStallion]

As a truck driver I have this to say. The cost to hire a semi truck to drive to Alaska ranges from $15, 000 to $30, 000 depending on what the commodity is and how far it travels.

[trailsend]

I was stationed at Ft. Rich, then came back and eventually retired there. If you live in a big town, things can be much less. Much of the high prices are a residue of the "Pipeline days". A lot of big money and high paying jobs, and peoples greed, eventually caused things to become more expensive.
The later part of my career I was in an aviation unit, and been all over Alaska. Things cost a lot the further in the bush you go. But prices seem to still end up higher. Also, when the pipeline and oil began to flow, someone with insight, started the "Dividend" and made it such that the residents could share in the oil profits.
There is so much to appreciate about Alaska. That was why I came back and eventually retired here.

[centpluscent]

OOOOHHHH This was like seeing old friends that you care about and wish the best for but some how lost touch! It was sooo nice to see that you and your dad are still hanging in there. Take care Emily and thanks for sharing!

[alexabs]

That's why a lot of the people still live off the land. Seeing relatives post the cost of living of just detergent is insane. Thank you for bringing awareness 🙌🏽

[starkgary]

According to people that live in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, etc., Amazon Prime is a way of life in Alaska. There is no next day or two day shipping, but they can purchase goods at reasonable prices without paying for extra shipping costs. It may take three or four weeks for an overnight package to arrive, but they were at least able to purchase items at regular market value. They certainly have to plan ahead, however.

[John-pnbh]

I loved the part where your dad said he loaned you a down filled jacket he'd bought for $20 and it disappeared. I am a dad with two grown daughters and many an item was "loaned" and disappeared. Your dad obviously loves you very much.

[joshua]

Back in the '80s, I was getting constant telemarketing calls. They would even leave messages on my answering machine.
I finally had my GF record a new message on my machine that went "Thank you for calling the Nome Alaska State Park. Please leave a message." Keep in mind, we paid long distance charges back then, and a call to Alaska was something like $5.00 a minute. People could not hand up fast enough lol.

[kennethdutton]

I’ve experienced this first hand while inland dredging the Kougarok River. I remember fuel at $5/gal in 2017, it’s probably
7 or 8 now. The Hanson’s Safeway and Subway sandwiches kept me alive. I lost 25 lbs in 8 weeks living in the bush gold dredging. I will say this, the experience: glassing humpback grizzly the size of a Volkswagen, catching an Arctic char. Those memories will last a lifetime. The locals laugh at us gold miners especially at the only hardware store I town. They asked “did you get a photo off the plane, wait til ya leave, you’ll likely never be back”.

[georgewoodget]

I'm absolutely shocked at the high food and clothing cost. In Ohio 48 bottles of water 16.9 oz per bottle. The entire case at Costco is roughly $ 2.50 cent. The Snickers bars would be half of what was mentioned. I couldn't afford to live there. Thanks for sharing.

[Databyter]

This explains a lot. I used to play video games about a decade ago, and I met this girl online that shared several interests with me. I really should have taken her up on the offer to go up there in the off season and keep her warm. She warned me about the economy. But the thing I remember most about the way she described her little Coastal village in Alaska, was that it was a small Drinking Village, with a Fishing Problem. Databyter

[mriphone]

I'd definitely be hunting and fishing myself with those kind of store prices. Getting my own water too. $42 dollars for an 18 pack. My goodness.

[mrplisken]

I remember when the subway came to Nome;; the entire town was off the rails in excitement making me realize how spoiled we all are to have most of what we want anytime we want it. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, I absolutely love Nome, AK.

[BigManAlaska]

My entire family is from Nome or King island and this comment section is hilarious 😂. The majority of all grocery store items are shipped by plane year round and the summer months are incredible short compared to other places around the world. My entire family is full of highly experienced hunters that provides subsistence for the elderly members and the food supply carries them through the year. A person could potentially survive the entire winter with the numerous varieties of berries available around the lands during the summer months. Long story short this video is covering the convenience of standard living for those people who don't know how to live off the land.

[Platoface]

I give you much respect. You don’t shy from any challenges put in front of you. You may not be perfect but which one of us is? Take care, be safe and know we all care about you.

[AshkenaziChristian]

I had NO idea the prices are that outrageous in Alaska. Unbelievable. I see this video was made before the serious price hikes kicked into effect in June 2022, so what are the prices like NOW? Inquiring minds want to know.

[gregoryschmidt]

I lived on Oahu for a while, and it was the same vis-a-vis eating out/cooking at home. It was often cheaper to just eat in the restaurants where the locals eat, because groceries are so expensive.

[Lumencraft-]

Emily I've been watching you on TV for years. Absolutely thrilled to find out you have a YouTube channel!

[Comedy-Goat]

I'm dying at his bud light manhood speech... this was over a year ago 😅😅😢😢