Localty at Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage are all 23%.
Pubnat 5/6
- Thread starter WoH
- Start date
Bigey
Well-Known Member
I thought Hawaii and Alaska have a COLA %?
Or was it only Hawaii? It was my understanding that you get 23-25% COLA which is on top of your base salary, tax free however?
You're right, both states are on COLA system and are tax free. The COLA does not count towards your high three though.
From what I've seen, until you CPC, you'll be living in a shack and having to hunt for dinner. It's a beautiful state though!
Zoesmom1020
New Member
Wait, so you're saying that until youre totally checked out in those states, out don't get COLA pay? That's messed up. How are you supposed to afford it? I'm mean at least I'm Hawaii you could live on the beach, but you'll get eaten by a bear or a moose in Alaska without COLA pay. Of course, you could always go crab fishing with Sig Hansen on the Northwestern!
I was thinking about driving to the Chicago PEPC from Salt Lake City - the cost in gas would be about the same as flying, and I wouldn't have to worry about taxis or rental cars once I get there.. Just wondering if anyone from the western states would like to carpool?
My appointment is Monday 6/22 at 9am, but I'm willing to hang out an extra day or two. I'm looking into staying with some friends in Chicago, but I wouldn't mind sharing a room with someone (female) closer to ORD/Des Plaines.
My appointment is Monday 6/22 at 9am, but I'm willing to hang out an extra day or two. I'm looking into staying with some friends in Chicago, but I wouldn't mind sharing a room with someone (female) closer to ORD/Des Plaines.
utamav
New Member
I'm driving in from Dallas, so I can't help you there. Your driving from SLC....that's a long one for sure. I wonder how many folks will try to stay at the Hyatt? Still waiting on the details from the PEPC coordinator to make my arrangements....No one has received that email right?
UTAMAV:bandit:
UTAMAV:bandit:
n9088d
New Member
Are you aware that's a 2 day drive (20 hrs)? So also factor in the cost of a hotel for the first overnight.
No, you get the cola right away, but the cost of living is so high in Alaska that it won't provide a comfortable living until you reach CPC.
For example, Anchorage ARTCC (if you're at a different facility, these are even lower) is a level 10 facility. Upon arrival, your salary will be 33,000 + COLOA (23%) = $40,500. Before taxes that's $3380/month. The median home cost is $290,000 and property taxes are $3500/year. That would leave mortgage and tax expenses alone at approx. $2000/month. Add in a car payment, insurance, food, utilities, etc....and it will be pretty tough until CPC. I know that's not the brightest outlook on your new home, but it's better to be prepared for what you are about to encounter. Good Luck!
dogleish99
Well-Known Member
I don't think thats true about the cola until you are checked out. Thats the whole point of COLA, its not an award or anything. Locality starts from day 1, so COLA does too.
Just to clarify, high three is what's looked at when determining your pension from the government. They look at the highest three year's salary and then you get a percentage of that for retirement. COLA does start at day one, but that amount is not calculated in your high three figure. It's unfortunate because it will make up nearly 1/4 of your salary in Alaska.
jcpilot
Fly for show, vector for dough
I was selected for AK Terminal. If you're willing to rent, things can be a little more affordable. My wife and I have been looking at rentals in Fairbanks, and you can get a 3 bedroom house in a decent area for $1100-$1300. Also, unless you're planning on being in Alaska for your career, you don't have to worry about selling it when you're ready to transfer.
I'm not saying that it's going to be easy making a living up there, but I think it will certainly be doable. I guess I'll be finding out myself in a few months. :bandit:
dogleish99
Well-Known Member
Hey maybe we can rent a huge moving truck together and split the rental cost. Its so expensive to move to AK. I am terminal, so I am not sure what city I am going to be selected for.
aperfectool
New Member
yeah. check out upack.com. its through abf. great company. they drop off a trailer at your house, you use as much space as you need, only pay for that amount of space, then they drive it up for you. for my move it even looks to be cheaper than renting a uhaul.
jcpilot
Fly for show, vector for dough
Yeah, it is. I'm planning on $3000, minimum.
anic:If we get to OKC in Oct-Nov (which is being optimistic, I know), that would put us going to AK in Jan-Feb, which would be a bad time to be trekking the Alcan Highway. I guess you could get a U-Haul and take the Inward Passage Ferry, but I don't know that that would be any better than hiring a moving company to move your stuff for you.
Stuff to consider, I guess.
Where are you wanting to go? My wife and I are hoping for Anchorage, but we're anticipating the worst and planning on going to Fairbanks.
jcpilot
Fly for show, vector for dough
From northern Utah to Fairbanks, they wanted $5600 for a 12' section of trailer. :drool:
U-haul wants $1800, which includes a 12' truck and a vehicle trailer.
s909macman
New Member
If anyone ends up taking the Alaska Marine Highway Ferries let me know. My dad is a captain on the Columbia which makes the run that goes originating in Bellingham, WA. He would be glad to give tours of the bridge and let you sit at the captains table in the restaurant. It is a beautiful ferry ride through the inside passage but takes a couple days.
Bernoulli Fan
Controller
Airline tickets have become far too inexpensive.