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Alaska to Maryland Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

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Planning a 3,494 mile interstate move from Alaska to Maryland? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Maryland across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder seasons), food & health (like King Crab vs Blue Crab), real estate & housing (cabin and log home vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to King Crab and Reindeer Sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Blue Crab & Crab Cakes
  • Maryland housing costs are 17% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Maryland is 7.10% more expensive than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Maryland movers is AT Movers

Alaska to Maryland Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Maryland

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Harsh winters
  • Remote location
  • Limited daylight in winter
  • Higher cost of goods
  • Limited services
ProsMaryland iconMaryland
  • Milder seasons
  • Proximity to major cities
  • Balanced daylight year-round
  • Lower cost of living
  • More amenities

Maryland iconMaryland
  • Urban sprawl
  • Less biodiversity
  • Nonexistent views
  • Crowded areas
  • Sales tax applied
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Pristine nature
  • Unique wildlife
  • Aurora borealis
  • Low population density
  • No state sales tax

Pros of moving from Alaska to Maryland

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder seasons
  • Look forward to moving away from a remote location and moving to Maryland with proximity to major cities
  • Swap the limited daylight in winter of Alaska for balanced daylight year-round in Maryland
  • Get ready for a lower cost of living in Maryland

Cons of moving from Alaska to Maryland

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from pristine nature in Alaska to live with urban sprawl in Maryland
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique wildlife and have to settle with the con of less biodiversity
  • Time to bid farewell to the aurora borealis and get used to nonexistent views in Maryland
  • Swap low population density for crowded areas

Alaska vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaMaryland
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabBlue Crab
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageCrab Cakes
Most popular street food itemAlaskan Salmon JerkySoft Shell Crab Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladGrilled Vegetable Skewers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • Orso
  • Glacier Brewhouse
  • The Crab Claw
  • Jimmy's Famous Seafood
  • G&M Restaurant and Lounge
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alaska to Maryland, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Blue Crab of Maryland. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Alaskan Salmon Jerky, Maryland residents know they have tasty Crab Cakes and Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Grilled Vegetable Skewers of Maryland. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, Orso, and Glacier Brewhouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Maryland, don't wait too long before making your way to Maryland's acclaimed eateries like The Crab Claw, Jimmy's Famous Seafood, and G&M Restaurant and Lounge.

When comparing lifestyles, Maryland shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Maryland compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Maryland.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Maryland

ComparisonAlaskaMaryland
Typical Architecture StyleCabin and Log HomeColonial and Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingNatural Views, PrivacyProximity to Amenities, Historic Charm
  • The Cabin and Log Home architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maryland.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views and privacy, Maryland real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and historic charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maryland is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maryland is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Maryland has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Maryland housing costs are 17% more expensive than they are in Alaska with a median home price of $414,972 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Maryland have increased by 52% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Maryland is 7.10% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and Maryland

ComparisonAlaskaMaryland
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60-80Β°F / 40-55Β°F85-90Β°F / 65-70Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)0-30Β°F / -20--10Β°F40-50Β°F / 25-35Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22"44"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"20.5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Maryland. Maryland gets 42% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Maryland has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Maryland.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 45 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maryland. Maryland receives 22 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Maryland

ComparisonAlaskaMaryland
Avg. Household Income$88,121$94,991
Cost of Living Index132.6124.95
State Income Tax0%2% to 5.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.18%1.10%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%6%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Fishing, TourismBiotechnology, Services, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 8% more than in Alaska
  • The COLI in Maryland is 6% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to MD, you'll now have a state income tax of 2% to 5.75%
  • The affluence in Maryland is high compared to moderate affluence in Alaska
  • The poverty level is low in Maryland compared to moderate poverty in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Alaska and low in Maryland

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Maryland

ComparisonAlaskaMaryland
Political Make-upMixed, leans RepublicanLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areas, liberal in urbanLiberal in urban areas, mixed in rural
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, higher diversity in religious affiliations
  • Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
  • Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Maryland's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with higher diversity in religious affiliations
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Maryland

ComparisonAlaskaMaryland
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University
University of Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Towson University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRogers Park Elementary
Anchorage; Northern Lights ABC K-8 School
Anchorage; Ocean View Elementary School
Anchorage
Fulton Elementary
Fulton; Clarksville Elementary
Clarksville; Bannockburn Elementary
Bethesda
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMears Middle School
Anchorage; Romig Middle School
Anchorage; Mirror Lake Middle School
Chugiak
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
Bethesda; Herbert Hoover Middle School
Potomac; Burleigh Manor Middle School
Ellicott City
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School
Anchorage; South High School
Anchorage; Dimond High School
Anchorage
Winston Churchill High School
Potomac; Walt Whitman High School
Bethesda; Poolesville High School
Poolesville
Top 3 private high schoolsHoly Rosary Academy
Anchorage; Grace Christian School
Anchorage; Anchorage Christian Schools
Anchorage
Gilman School
Baltimore; Holton-Arms School
Bethesda; Landon School
Bethesda
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy
Anchorage; St. John's School
Anchorage; Anchor Lutheran School
Anchorage
Sidwell Friends School
Washington; Georgetown Preparatory School
North Bethesda; The Bullis School
Potomac
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District; Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District; Kenai Peninsula Borough School DistrictMontgomery County Public Schools; Howard County Public School System; Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Top Alaska to Maryland Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alaska to Maryland movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
AT Movers featured image

AT Movers

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Maryland

9.65/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
AJ Moving Services LLC featured image

AJ Moving Services LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10
Top Alaska to Maryland Routes

Anchorage to Maryland