Commisary & Costco

[Passin_Thru]

Are Commissary prices similar to Va in AK? Just curious about difference. Ft Belvoir has a new Exchange and fairly new Commissary and The Exc is bigger than a Costco but seems to have the same ammount of stuff as the old one. It is nice. Does anyone know the latest price of Boneless Ribeye at Costco Anchorage?

[Passin_Thru]

OK, Thanks. We are looking forward to our 3rd visit but 1st with RV to AK. Funny too about tax free because you have to pay the service chg and I bet they don't drop that. Will Go to Freds.

[resmas]

I've been to the commissary on JBER, but not Eilson/Richardson. The prices are higher than most of the lower 48, but might not be too much higher than what you pay in N VA. When you are assigned to JBER, you get a pretty hefty COLA, which is usually indicative of high costs - BUT - in Alaska, those high costs are more dependent on utilities and not groceries. In fact, while we were stationed there, every active duty member had to submit utility bills for X number of months, which resulted in the COLA being raised.

The meat counter at JBER was always pretty good, but the ribeyes were better marbled and more tender at Sam's. Never went to Cosco, so can't speak for that. While you are in AK, you should *REALLY* consider getting groceries at Fred Meyer. They have awesome sales, and it is super easy to accrue gas points. Most FM stores have gas and diesel in the parking lots. We usually averaged $1.50 off per gallon by shopping at FM.

Also, no taxes in Anchorage, so there is no benefit to the tax-free commissary.

One thing you can get at the commissary cheaper than off-base is King Crab. The commissary carries 25lb boxes for CHEAP!

[1995brave]

The prices are different for every base. For us the prices at Lackland are different than Fort Sam. Alaska will be a whole lot higher than the lower 48 due to the fact everything needs to be shipped there.