Alaska to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Maine

ConsAlaska

• Long, harsh winters
• Remote location
• Limited road access
• High cost of living
• Lack of major retailers

ProsMaine

• Milder winter temperatures
• Closer to major cities
• Extensive road networks
• Lower living expenses
• Variety of shopping options

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Maine

• Less dramatic landscapes
• Limited wildlife
• No Northern Lights
• 5.5% sales tax
• Cultural differences

Alaska

• Stunning wilderness
• Wildlife abundance
• Aurora Borealis
• No state sales tax
• Rich Native culture

Pros of moving from Alaska to Maine

• Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to milder winter temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from a remote location and moving to Maine with closer access to major cities
• Swap the limited road access of Alaska for extensive road networks in Maine
• Get ready for lower living expenses in Maine

Cons of moving from Alaska to Maine

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the stunning wilderness in Alaska to live with less dramatic landscapes in Maine
• You'll lose out on the pro of wildlife abundance and have to settle for the con of limited wildlife
• Time to bid farewell to the Aurora Borealis and get used to no Northern Lights in Maine
• Swap no state sales tax for a 5.5% sales tax

Alaska vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Maine, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Smoked Salmon, Maine residents know they have tasty Clam Chowder and Italian 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 Blueberry Smoothie of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Two Sisters Bakery, Simon & Seafort's, and Glacier Brewhouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Maine, don't wait too long before making your way to Maine's acclaimed eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Fore Street, and Hugo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Maine

• The Cabin/Lodge architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial/Farmhouse architecture typical of Maine.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views and privacy, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to the coast.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Maine is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Maine is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Maine has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Maine housing costs are 11% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 115% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Maine is 4.28% more expensive than in Alaska.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Maine. Maine gets 33% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Maine has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and cold snaps in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential nor'easters and floods in Maine.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Maine is 20 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 33 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Maine

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 21% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in Maine will be 12% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to ME, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.8%
• The affluence in Maine is low compared to moderate in Alaska
• The poverty level is moderate in Maine compared to low in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and low in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Maine

• Alaska tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Maine, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Maine's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, but with notable irreligious and other faith groups
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant, with a variety of other religious groups

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Maine