The Hidden Costs of Moving Into a New Home (Especially in Alaska)

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones you can reach, but if you’ve ever unpacked your last box and thought, “Wow, that got expensive fast,” you’re not alone. Between closing costs, moving expenses, and the little things that pop up once you’ve moved in, it’s easy for your budget to feel stretched.

In Alaska, there are a few extra costs that tend to surprise new homeowners. None of them are deal-breakers, but they’re definitely worth planning for so you can settle in with fewer financial surprises.

1. Utility Startup Costs and Deposits

When you move into a new home, most utility companies require either a deposit or a startup fee before they turn on your service. For Alaskans, that often includes:

• Chugach Electric or Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) for power
• Enstar Natural Gas for heat
• Municipal Light & Power (ML&P) in some Anchorage areas
• Local water/sewer utilities or private well/septic maintenance
  

Deposits can range anywhere from $50 to $250 per utility, depending on your credit and whether you’ve had an account before. It’s not a huge cost, but when you’re juggling multiple setup fees at once, it adds up quickly.

If you’re moving in the winter, don’t forget to confirm your heating service transfer early, it’s one you don’t want delayed when temperatures drop below freezing.

2. Fuel Costs and Heating Oil

Many homes in the Mat-Su Valley and Chugiak areas use heating oil, propane, or pellet stoves as their main heat source. If you’re moving into a home with an oil tank, you’ll need to budget for your first fill-up.

Oil deliveries typically run several hundred dollars at a time, depending on tank size and current prices. The good news is you can usually set up an automatic delivery schedule to avoid running low during cold snaps.

If you’re not sure what your new home uses, ask during your home inspection or final walk-through. It’s one of those details that’s easy to overlook but important to plan for.

3. Snow and Driveway Maintenance

In Alaska, “landscaping costs” look a little different, because half the year, your yard is under snow.

If your new home has a long or steep driveway, you’ll need a plan for snow removal. That might mean buying a quality snowblower (typically $800–$2,000), hiring a local plow service, or setting aside funds for de-icing supplies.

Many homeowners also invest in roof rakes or ice melt to keep pathways safe. It’s not glamorous, but it’s part of what keeps your home accessible and safe through the season.

4. Home Essentials You Didn’t Realize You’d Need

Even if you’re moving from another house, there’s always something your new place requires that your old one didn’t. Think curtain rods, rugs for drafty floors, wall hooks, or extra storage bins.

And for Alaskans, add a few more items to the list:

• A heavy-duty entryway mat for snow boots
• A boot tray or drying rack
• A solid snow shovel (or two)
• Backup flashlights for winter storms
  

It’s the small, practical stuff that adds up the quickest, but it’s also what makes your home feel truly “yours.”

5. Inspection and Maintenance Follow-Ups

Even after you close, your inspection report might include a few “keep an eye on this” items. In Alaska, that often includes things like septic pumping, chimney cleaning, or heating system maintenance.

Plan to set aside a small home maintenance fund for these tasks, typically $500–$1,000 is a smart start. Taking care of them early helps prevent bigger (and more expensive) repairs down the road.

6. Property Taxes and Home Insurance Adjustments

If you bought your home mid-year, your mortgage lender may adjust your escrow account to reflect full-year property taxes and insurance. That can cause your monthly payment to shift slightly after closing.

It’s worth reviewing your escrow statement when it arrives so you understand how much you’re paying and when. Alaska doesn’t have a statewide sales or income tax, but property taxes vary widely by location, so it’s always good to confirm what applies to your area.

7. The “Getting Settled” Fund

Between furniture, decor, and little improvements, most homeowners spend more in the first few months than they expected. Maybe you want to paint a few rooms, hang blackout curtains for those bright summer nights, or build a firepit out back.

Setting aside a small “getting settled” fund helps you make those updates without feeling stretched too thin. Even a few hundred dollars can make a difference in feeling comfortable and at home.

Final Thoughts

Moving into a new home always comes with surprises, but when you know what to expect, it’s much easier to plan and enjoy the process. Alaska has a few unique costs, but it also offers something priceless—space, beauty, and a sense of adventure that makes it all worth it.

Thinking About Buying This Winter?

Whether you’re PCSing to JBER, upsizing, or buying your first home in Alaska, our team at Selling Alaska + Co is here to guide you through every step. From budgeting tips to trusted local service recommendations, we make sure you feel confident before, during, and after your move.