Extremely Expensive Groceries in Utqaigvik, Alaska
The Cost of Buying Groceries in Utqiagvik, Alaska
Utqiagvik May Have the Most Expensive Groceries in the USA
Utqiagvik, Alaska (formerly Barrow), might hold the dubious title of having the most expensive groceries in the US. During my visit to Utqiagvik, I saw firsthand the struggle that community members face with the extremely expensive groceries in Utqiagvik, Alaska.
Why are Groceries Extremely Expensive in Utqiagvik?
Utqiagvik, Alaska, presents a fascinating case study in remote food security. Isolated by the lack of roads, all groceries must be flown in, making transportation costs a major factor. This lack of roads disproportionately affects heavy and bulky items, as every pound counts on those flights. Additionally, perishables requiring refrigeration incur further expenses for specialized transportation.
Alternatives to Grocery Shopping in Utqiagvik
Utqiagvik’s remote location presents logistical challenges, but residents have found resourceful solutions. During the summer thaw, barges can deliver bulkier items, offering a cost-effective alternative for these essentials. Additionally, some residents bypass grocery stores entirely, ordering directly from suppliers in bulk, reducing markups. Finally, Utqiagvik’s unique situation makes dining out a surprisingly cost-effective strategy, as restaurants may offer competitive prices compared to buying and preparing groceries.
Grocery Prices Place a Strain on the Utqiagvik Community
Utqiagvik exemplifies the unique challenges and rewards of teaching in remote locations. In 2012, a world geography teaching position there sparked my interest – the chance to connect curriculum to a breathtaking Arctic environment held immense appeal. However, research unveiled a contrasting reality: high salaries, potentially reaching over $100,000, masked the significant cost of living, particularly for essentials. This economic reality, driven by remoteness, highlights the intricate link between location, logistics, and teacher compensation in geographically isolated communities.
While I ultimately didn’t move to Utqiagvik, a 2024 visit confirmed these challenges. Conversations with residents revealed a deep love for their unique community, but the high cost of living was their number one concern. This sentiment becomes even more striking considering the harsh winters with extended periods of darkness and temperatures plummeting to -30°F to -50°F.
Extremely Expensive Groceries in Utqiagvik, Alaska - Table of Contents
Disclaimer: Buzzin’ Around the World strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on our research at the time of publication. We respect all applicable laws and fair use principles. If you believe any information is incorrect or violates regulations, please contact us at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Affiliate Links and Reviews: We use affiliate links to generate income and may receive a commission at no additional cost to you when you use our links. We strive for honest and transparent reviews, even for products which we receive compensation.
Content Creation: Our content is based on our own travel experiences. All photos are our own unless otherwise stated. We sometimes utilize AI tools to assist with tasks like generating titles, summarizing content, and improving organization.
For more information: For more information, please click HERE to visit our private policy page. We can be reached at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Grocery Store Prices - Utqiagvik, Alaska
Utqiagvik’s grocery prices, as seen in the following photos, illustrate the challenges of remote living. My visit to Stuaqpak Grocery Store aimed to capture the costs of essential items. The most expensive items, unsurprisingly, are bulky, heavy, or require refrigeration – factors driving up transportation costs. Interestingly, butchered beef appeared relatively affordable, with strip steaks priced at $5.99 per pound.
Milk - $17.99 per Gallon
12 Cans of Pepsi - $15.99
Ice Cream - $18.79 per Carton
42 Individual Sized Bags of Cookies - $51.29
Bell Peppers - $2.89 each
Bananas - $1.99 per Pound
3 Pack of Frozen Pizzas - $44.89
30 Frozen Burritos - $70.49
Doriots Tortilla Chips - $11.99
4 Pack of Soup - $16.59
TV Dinners - $11.89
Pulled Chicken in Barbeque Sauce - $17.69
Breakfast Syrup - $17.99
Tomato Juice - $20.49
Bacon - $45.99
Individual Size Bag of Cheetos - $5.09
Head of Iceberg Lettuce - $5.69
Old Spice Twin Pack of Deodorant - $13.69
Packaged Jumbo Donuts - $13.29
Microwave Dinners - $9.99
Cereal - $12.29
Potato Buns - $9.49
Potato Chips - $11.59
30 Rolls of Toilet Paper - $58.99
12 Cans of Sprite - $12.79
12 Mini Cupcakes - $13.09
Microwavable Soup - $9.69
24 Dinner Rolls - $15.99
Canned Meat - $9.79
Frozen Vegetables - $12.99
Microwavable Baby Back Ribs - $47.09
20 oz Bottle of Diet Coke - $4.99
Grape Juice - $20.90
Instant Rice - $15.40
6 Rolls of Paper Towels - $44.59
Mouthwash - $19.39
12 Cans of Mountain Dew - $15.99
Hot Dogs - $14.19
Packaged Cookies - $15.69
120 Quart Cooler - $293.49
Porterhouse Steaks - $17.99 per Pound
Strip Steaks - $5.99 per Pound
Buzzin' Around the World's Affiliate Partners
Affiliate Partner of the Month - Viator
Viator is my favorite website for booking tours and packages. With over 300,000 unique tours to choose from, everyone should be able to find something on Viator that interests them. I like Viator because anytime I have an issue with a tour company, Viator has intervened and helped on my behalf. I highly recommend using Viator for booking your tours and vacation packages.
Book Through the Link Below to Help Buzzin' Around the World Earn Commission
Earn $200 in Travel Rewards with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card is one of the few rewards cards that does not charge an annual fee. Cardholders can earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent while enjoying 0% APR for 15 months.
Currently, Capital One is offering a signup bonus of 20,000 points (worth $200 in travel rewards) when the cardholder spends $500 in the first three months. If you are interested in this card, I would appreciate it if you would sign up with the link below, as I earn a referral bonus of 10,000 points. Those points are worth $100 in travel rewards and will help me continue to bring great content to Buzzin’ Around the World.
Once again, the Capital One VentureOne card is one of the few reward cards without an annual fee and is the perfect card for someone who is just starting to get into the travel points game.