Kotzebue’s incredibly high grocery prices have been spotlighted by former resident Grant Magdanz, showing the true cost of living in a remote Alaskan community without road access and where everything has to be flown in.
Key Facts:
• Kotzebue is a small Alaskan town over 500 miles from Anchorage, with about 3,000 residents (70% Inupiat Eskimo).
• Many everyday items, such as bread, milk, and cereal, can cost two or three times more than in urban areas.
• The only way to bring in goods is by air, driving up retail prices.
• Grant Magdanz, 30, documented these prices while attending his father’s memorial service.
• Despite now living in Los Angeles, Magdanz fondly recalls growing up in Kotzebue and values its outdoor traditions.
The Rest of The Story:
Kotzebue, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” sees many staples at eye-popping prices because nothing can be trucked in by road.
On his visit, Magdanz shared videos of everyday grocery costs, including $9.49 for a loaf of bread, $12.69 for a gallon of milk, and $17.43 for a bag of coffee.
Bananas fetch $2.99 per pound, and a 12-pack of soda can run over $15.
Raised in Kotzebue, Magdanz moved away to attend college in Seattle and later settled in Los Angeles for work.
He returned for his father’s memorial and used the trip to show how his hometown continues to deal with high living expenses while retaining its deep reliance on hunting, fishing, and strong community bonds.
@grantmagdanz The price of groceries in rural Alaska
Commentary:
These sky-high prices reflect the unique challenge of living in an isolated region where shipping costs are unavoidable.
Yet, residents lean on their local resources—caribou, moose, and fish—to keep their fridges filled.
Kotzebue’s people show a resilient spirit, balancing modern conveniences with time-tested survival methods.
This blend of old and new helps offset expensive grocery runs and preserves longstanding cultural practices that unite neighbors.
The Bottom Line:
Kotzebue’s tight community, coupled with its hunting and fishing traditions, provides a safety net against steep food costs.
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