What's it like to live in Juneau Alaska?
Christopher Snyder
Published May 09, 2026
Juneau is a great place for people who love the outdoors, beautiful scenery, and a community. The community is big enough to support a decent gathering and small enough to still have that small town vibe. You'll always see someone you know, no matter where you go.
Herein, is Juneau Alaska a good place to live?
Juneau is a great place for people who love the outdoors, beautiful scenery, and a community. The community is big enough to support a decent gathering and small enough to still have that small town vibe. You'll always see someone you know, no matter where you go. Juneau has something for everyone.
Furthermore, is it better to visit Anchorage or Juneau? Because Juneau is smaller (just under 33,000 residents, compared to Anchorage's 300,000), it's pretty obvious when a cruise ship (or two or three) full of passengers gets to town. The number of visitors can be overwhelming. Anchorage, on the other hand, is bigger and can absorb visitors without oversaturating.
Additionally, is it expensive to live in Juneau Alaska?
Juneau, Alaska's cost of living is 33% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.
Is Juneau Alaska worth visiting?
Juneau is definitely worth a visit and if you are not planning on returning to Alaska, combining Juneau with Anchorage, Denali and Seward could be a good use of your time. Cordova is closer to Anchorage than Juneau, but definitely "off the beaten path" since you must fly or take the ferry there.
Related Question Answers
How much snow does Juneau Alaska get?
The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Juneau averages 80 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year. On average, there are 86 sunny days per year in Juneau.Is Juneau dangerous?
State capital Juneau places #2 in the ranking of Alaska's safest cities. The city's violent crime rate of 13.10 per 1,000 is over 3 times higher than the national rate, and its property crime rate of 49.28 per 1,000 is over twice as high as national levels.Do Alaskans pay taxes?
Alaska is the only state that does not collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax on any type of personal income, either earned or unearned. Instead, every Alaskan, children as well as adults, receives a payment each year from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation.What is Juneau Alaska famous for?
Juneau is home to 280 species of birds, brown and black bears, five species of salmon, and whales (primarily humpback and orca). Although you may not see them all on your next Alaskan cruise, Juneau is well known for its incredible wildlife — both on land and by sea. Juneau is popular.What is the crime rate in Juneau Alaska?
49 per one thousand residentsWill Alaska pay you to live there?
Since 1976, Alaska has paid its residents to live there via its Permanent Fund Dividend. The payouts are funded by Alaska's oil royalties and are divided up evenly among citizens. Yearly payouts vary, but the 2018 dividend was $1,600.What should I know before moving to Alaska?
15 Things to Know Before Moving to Alaska- You'll never get used to how beautiful Alaska is.
- The cost of living is high.
- You have to make a little bit of an effort to see the Northern Lights.
- Large swathes of Alaska aren't on the road system.
- The Alaska State Fair is a big deal.
- It's a good idea to learn basic bear safety.
- The swings in daylight are no joke.
How much does a gallon of milk cost in Juneau Alaska?
Food prices| Markets | Edit |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | 3.54$ |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | 4.15$ |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | 3.15$ |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 3.16$ |
How much is a Big Mac in Alaska?
Restaurant Menu| Travis Scott Meal | $6.00 |
|---|---|
| Big Mac | $3.99 |
| Big Mac - Meal | $5.99 |
| 2 Cheeseburgers | $2.00 |
| 2 Cheeseburgers - Meal | $4.89 |
What is the cheapest place to live in Alaska?
The 4 Most Affordable Cities in Alaska- Juneau. Only accessible by boat or plane, Alaska's capital city is also the most affordable place to live in the entire state.
- Anchorage. More than 40 percent of Alaska's entire population lives in Anchorage.
- Fairbanks.
- Badger (CDP)
Do you need a car in Juneau?
Juneau is incredibly spread out, so if you're staying outside downtown, you'll need a car (or a serious appetite for hiking). There are, of course, numerous chain hotels near the airport, but you can do better than that.Why do people move to Alaska?
With its snowy mountains, cold temperatures, dense forests and vast tundras, Alaska's terrain tends to attract a rather hardy, adventure-seeking crowd. Of course, those residents will also be the first to tell you that their state's unique beauty and abundant wildlife make the cold winters well worth it.What is winter like in Juneau Alaska?
Summer daytime highs generally peak in the low-to-mid-60s, but can rise above 75 degrees. Winter temperatures average 29F. Of course, with an average of 222 days of precipitation, expect to get rained on at some point during your visit. More of what to expect from the weather in Juneau below.What is the best place to live in Alaska?
Best Places to Retire in Alaska- Anchorage. At the top of the list is Alaska's largest city.
- Wasilla. Just outside Anchorage is Wasilla, Alaska's sixth-largest city and previously the starting point for Alaska's famed Iditarod sled dog race.
- Palmer.
- Fairbanks.
- Sterling.
- Sitka.
- Bethel.
- Juneau.
How do I become a resident of Alaska?
Before January 1 of the qualifying year, an individual must have taken at least one step beyond physical presence in Alaska to establish residency. Applicants must provide proof of residency showing intent to remain indefinitely in Alaska.Is Alaska a cheap place to live?
As far as rent goes, Alaska is ever so slightly cheaper than the U.S. as a whole. According to Apartment List's 2019 report, the median rent for a studio and one bedroom apartment in Alaska is $17 and $21 cheaper than the national median, respectively. The state is mostly made up of homeowners, though.How much does it cost to live in Alaska?
Anchorage cost of living is 123.5| COST OF LIVING | Anchorage | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Cost | $334,300 | $310,600 |
| Utilities | 108.1 | 169.8 |
| Transportation | 104.6 | 98.2 |
| Miscellaneous | 123.1 | 119.5 |
What should you avoid in Alaska?
20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs- Farmed seafood. Flickr - Judi Knight.
- Or buying fish in general. Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
- Even feeding your dogs farmed fish.
- Eating hot dogs.
- Camping without a view.
- Snacking on chips from the lower 48.
- Shopping at big corporate box stores.
- Drinking wine that isn't from Alaska.
What is the prettiest city in Alaska?
The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Alaska- Homer, Alaska | ©Rbrough/Flickr.
- Gustavus, Alaska | ©CC Miller/Flickr.
- Girdwood | ©Katie (alaskahokie)/Flickr.
- Kenai Fijords Park | ©Ajburcar/Flickr.
- Mountains near Valdez, Alaska | ©David Morris/Flickr.
- Aurora Lights, Fairbanks Alaska | ©Ron James/ Flickr.
- Idyllic Creek Street, Ketchikan, Alaska | ©Bernard Spragg.
What is the most beautiful part of Alaska?
Unspoiled Alaska: The 7 Most Beautiful Places to Visit- Denali National Park. First view Denali, North America's tallest peak, from Wonder Lake, where The High One is jaggedly reflected in the still waters.
- Katmai National Park and Preserve.
- Matanuska Glacier.
- Kodiak Island.
- Tatshenshini-Alsek River.
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
- Wrangell St.
Can I drive from Anchorage to Juneau?
By Car or “Road”You can't drive to all the way to Juneau without taking the ferry, but you can get much of the way along the 1,500-mile Alaska-Canadian Highway (ALCAN).
What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Alaska?
Seasonal direct flights depart from other cities like San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Honolulu. If you're not sure where to travel to within Alaska but are looking for an option with the most flights, then flying into Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is your best choice.Can you drive from Juneau to Sitka?
The distance between Juneau and Sitka is 93 miles. How long does it take to get from Juneau to Sitka? It takes approximately 14h 12m to get from Juneau to Sitka, including transfers.How do you get from Anchorage to Juneau?
The best way to get from Anchorage to Juneau without a car is to bus and car ferry which takes 43h 44m and costs $270 - $430. How long does it take to get from Anchorage to Juneau? It takes approximately 4h 9m to get from Anchorage to Juneau, including transfers.Is Fairbanks or Anchorage better?
Anchorage is relatively less dark and cold, and you can drive down to Kenai and Homer or up to Fairbanks, and spots in between. Fairbanks area has better hunting opportunities IMO. You'll see way better auroras in Fairbanks. There is a ton of day trips to the kenai peninsula from anchorage.How far is Juneau Alaska from Seattle Washington?
896 milesCan you see Northern Lights in Juneau Alaska?
We do know, however, that the northern lights are best seen in Alaska between 65° N and 70° N latitude. Fairbanks is about 180 miles south of the Arctic Circle and enjoys sporadic northern lights, though it's best to forget the more southerly destinations of Anchorage and Juneau, which see dramatically fewer displays.How many days do you need in Juneau?
Minimum Stay1 day/2 nights, to hit the highlights of downtown Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier. Keep in mind that if you are traveling via cruise ship, many only allow a half-day to explore Juneau.
Why is there no road to Juneau?
The Lynn Canal Highway, or Juneau Access Road, is a proposed road between Skagway and City and Borough of Juneau, the capital of the U.S. state of Alaska. As of 2017, the project has been indefinitely shelved due to the state's budget crisis.How much does it cost to go to Mendenhall Glacier?
There is a $5 entrance fee for 16 & over at the visitor center during summer months (May 1 to September 30) when the visitor center is open from 8am to 7:30pm daily. Winter (October to April) is free (no fee required) and visitor center hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm.Is there Uber in Juneau?
Gov. Bill Walker signed legislation Thursday paving way for ride-share companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to operate in Alaska.What is there to do in Juneau Alaska on a cruise?
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Juneau on your next Alaskan cruise for an unforgettable vacation:- Explore Juneau Town.
- Tour Alaska State Museum.
- Hike Mount Roberts.
- Go Ziplining on Douglas Island.
- Take A Road Trip.
- Explore Mendenhall Glacier.
- Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves.
- Hike to Nuggets Falls.
Can you drive to Juneau from Seattle?
Yes, although you realise you can't drive to Juneau don't you? It's fly or ferry only, so means you will need to use the AMHS at some point with a vehicle.How do people spend a week in Alaska?
How to Spend One Week in Alaska- 01 of 07. Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage.
- 02 of 07. Day 2: Head to Seward.
- Day 3: Pay a Visit to Kenai Fjords National Park. Alexandre Claude / 500px / Getty Images.
- Day 4: Head North to Talkeetna.
- Day 5: Spend the Day in Denali National Park.
- Day 6: Relax in Fairbanks.
- Day 7: Back to Anchorage.
