How to Get Paid to Live in Alaska [2 Options for (2024)]

Are you considering moving to another state or city? If you are, consider looking for states that pay you to live there.

Some states in the United States offer programs to attract new residents and increase their population and economy. These programs include reduced prices for real estate or free homes.

Alaska is one of the states that pay you to live there. It’s a good option for full-time remote workers and people who want to live in nature.

Check out the steps and tips below to learn how to get paid to live in Alaska.

Can You Get Paid to Live in Alaska?

Moving to Alaska and becoming a resident enables you to apply for dividends from the Alaska Permanent Fund, a sovereign wealth fund investing in local stocks, global stocks, U.S. bonds, real estate, and private equity.

Alaska residents receive annual dividends called the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). For you to be eligible to receive dividends, you must live in the state for one calendar year and intend to continue living there permanently.

How Much Can You Make by Living in Alaska?

The dividend you receive depends on the year’s investment returns. The dividend amount for 2022 was $3,284.00 per person, one of the highest dividends paid after adjusting due to inflation. Meanwhile, 2021 recorded a dividend amount of $1,114, and 2020 paid $992.

To calculate the dividends, the state will divide the amount for distribution from the Permanent Fund’s account by the number of applicants.

Although the payments are too small to become an appropriate income, applying for the PFD is one of the side hustle ideas to try if you want extra yearly income.

What You’ll Need to Get Paid to Live in Alaska

Before you get paid to live in Alaska, ensure you have the following requirements to process your application:

• Application Form: You can get the form and apply online or offline.
• Proof of Intention to Live in Alaska: Applicants must present evidence of their residency in the state. These documents include a lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, proof of employment, or an Alaska driver’s license.
• Other Identifying Documents: Prepare other essential documents, such as your original birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or other identification that the PFD Division may request after receiving your application.

Where to Get Paid to Live in Alaska

Getting paid to live in Alaska is one of the passive income ideas suitable for individuals, families, or eligible remote workers who want to experience extra benefits while living in a new area.

But which cities should you go to? Here are two cities in Alaska you can check out:

1. Juneau

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. is a consolidated city borough that sits at the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle.

It’s also the second-largest city in the U.S. and has one of the largest wilderness areas in the country.

How Much You Can Make

According to MakeMyMove, new residents will receive $1,000 per year. However, the numbers are estimates as the PFD calculates payouts based on the year’s investment returns.

What Makes This Option Great

Juneau boasts exciting adventures on land, air, and sea, such as flying over glaciers and watching whales.

The city also has various free outdoor recreation, including exploring wildlife, bear watching, and fishing.

Also, Juneau becomes a playground for winter sports, as you can experience snowboarding and Nordic skiing on its snow-covered slopes.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Check or Direct Deposit

2. Ketchikan

You can find Ketchikan at the southernmost entrance of the Inside Passage, a network of waterways along Alaska’s southern coast. This passage is also a popular cruise route due to its scenic wilderness.

How Much You Can Make

If you’re interested in living in Ketchikan, you can receive up to $2,000 annually. The offer exclusively from MakeMyMove also includes three months of free access to a home Internet.

However, remember that your actual payout depends on the PFD’s investment performance.

What Makes This Option Great

Ketchikan is known for its salmon and scenery. The city showcases rich Alaska Native culture with totem poles displayed across the town. Also, nature lovers will have free access to rich wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and wolves.

Overall, the city is perfect for individuals, families, and remote workers who prefer to live in rich culture and scenery.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Check or Direct Deposit

Why You Should Consider Getting Paid to Live in Alaska as a Side Hustle

If you’re unsure if you want to live in Alaska, here are reasons to consider moving there besides receiving free money.

• Inexpensive Real Estate: The state offers affordable real estate with an average home value of $345,363.
• No Sales or Income Tax: Alaska doesn’t require state sales tax and income tax, allowing you to save more from your income.
• Breathtaking Environment: The environment is full of nature, wildlife, and tourist attractions. Plus, you can experience free outdoor recreation such as fishing and wildlife viewing.
• Rich Cultural History: Alaska’s history dates back thousands of years, resulting in a state’s rich culture and history.

Problems With Getting Paid to Live in Alaska for Money

Although living in another state and getting paid for it is enticing, here are some challenges to consider:

• High Cost of Living: Although real estate is affordable, other living costs are generally high, such as transportation, food, and utility.
• Specific Requirements: The PFD has strict requirements to confirm your dividend eligibility. There’s no guarantee you’ll pass the application.
• Still Need a Job: You won’t receive much free money to cover your expenses for the entire year. As a result, you still need full-time employment to live in Alaska.
• Challenging Living Conditions: Alaska’s environment can be extreme for some people. The state has harsh and dark winters and lacks highway systems to connect areas, resulting in a low population.

How to Get Paid to Live In Alaska: Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these four steps to get paid to live in Alaska.

Step 1: Check and Meet Requirements

Alaska residents must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for the PFD:

• Must be an Alaska resident for one calendar year
• Must have the intention to be a resident indefinitely
• Must not have claimed residency in another state or country
• Must not have a criminal record
• Must not be absent from Alaska for over 180 days unless given an allowable absence due to military service or college leave

See the PFD’s eligibility requirements for more information.

Step 2: Provide Proof of Intention to Live in Alaska

Part of the requirements is proof of your intention to live in the state. 

Some of the acceptable proofs include:

• Moving truck rental receipt
• Alaska driver’s license
• Employment proof
• Vehicle registration
• Voter registration

Meanwhile, some unacceptable proofs include:

• Employer paid moving expenses and housing
• Bank statements, utility bills, and mail with a home address
• Unemployment records

See more acceptable proofs by the PFD for more information.

Step 3: Apply for the PFD

If you qualify, you may submit your application from January 1st to March 31st.

You can create a myAlaska account and complete the application form online. You can also print the papers and submit a signed application.

After submitting online, you should receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Meanwhile, processing takes four to six weeks for those who submit a physical form.

Follow instructions carefully before submitting, and note your confirmation number.

Step 4: Receive and Spend Your Money

After being accepted, you’ll usually receive payouts around October. You’ll receive them in check or direct deposit, depending on your preferred payment method in the application form.

Note that this isn’t an automatic annual membership. You must apply yearly to get dividends.

Things to Consider When Getting Paid to Live in Alaska for Money

It’s exciting to get paid to travel and live in another state, but consider these before settling in Alaska:

1. Learn the Rules for Absences

The PFD’s eligibility requirements state that you only have an allowable absence of up to 180 days. Being away from Alaska for more than six months forfeits you from receiving the dividend.

Learn more about the PFD program’s absence guidelines.

2. Doesn’t Cover All Your Expenses

Although the estimated market value of an average Alaska home is $345,363, the state generally has a high cost of living.

The free money can’t cover all your living and moving expenses. You must have a full-time job or other side hustles to pay your daily living expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Ways to Get Paid

Consider trying these other opportunities if this isn’t for you.

• Get Paid to Live in a House: Check out opportunities that pay you to live in a house, from rentals to property management.
• Get Paid to Read Books: Consider turning your book-reading hobby into extra income.
• Get Paid to Nap: Learn how to make money while sleeping.

Wrapping Up

Moving and living in another state now offers another chance to earn extra income. If you meet the requirements and consider factors carefully, you can live in your dream city with extra money in your pocket.

What do you think of this opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And if this was helpful, share it with friends, families, or remote workers who might be interested.