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Maine to Alaska Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 3,358 mile interstate move from Maine to Alaska? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maine vs Alaska across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs breathtaking landscapes), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs log cabin, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and Lobster, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Reindeer Sausage
  • Alaska housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Maine
  • Rent in Alaska is 4.11% more affordable than in Maine
  • Our top recommended Maine to Alaska movers is SC Moving Services

Maine to Alaska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to Alaska

ConsMaine iconMaine
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited wilderness
  • High taxes
  • Small population
ProsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Breathtaking landscapes
  • Abundant wildlife
  • No state sales tax
  • Active outdoor community

Alaska iconAlaska
  • Remote areas
  • Limited dining options
  • Isolation
  • Harsh weather
Maine iconMaine
  • Coastal living
  • Famous lobster cuisine
  • New England charm
  • Cultural festivals

Pros of moving from Maine to Alaska

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to breathtaking landscapes
  • Look forward to moving away from limited wilderness and moving to Alaska with abundant wildlife
  • Swap the high taxes of Maine for no state sales tax in Alaska
  • Get ready for an active outdoor community in Alaska

Cons of moving from Maine to Alaska

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal living in Maine to live with remote areas in Alaska
  • You'll lose out on the pro of famous lobster cuisine and have to settle for the con of limited dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to New England charm and get used to isolation in Alaska
  • Swap cultural festivals for harsh weather

Maine vs. Alaska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMaineAlaska
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollSalmon
Most popular meat dishLobsterReindeer Sausage
Most popular street food itemItalian SandwichKing Crab Legs
Most popular vegan foodBlueberry PieSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Fore Street
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Duckfat
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Homer Inn & Spa and Restaurant
  • Moose's Tooth Pub
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Maine to Alaska, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Maine for the equally delicious Salmon of Alaska. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Lobster and sumptuous Italian Sandwich, Alaska residents know they have tasty Reindeer Sausage and King Crab Legs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Blueberry Pie they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seaweed Salad of Alaska. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like Fore Street, Eventide Oyster Co., and Duckfat. After the boxes are unpacked in Alaska, don't wait too long before making your way to Alaska's acclaimed eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Homer Inn & Spa and Restaurant, and Moose's Tooth Pub.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and Alaska

ComparisonMaineAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodLog cabin, Modern
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 listingProximity to nature, WaterfrontViews, Privacy
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Log Cabin and Modern architecture typical of Alaska.
  • Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to nature and waterfront, Alaska real estate listings often highlight features like views and privacy.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alaska is less walkable than Maine.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alaska is less bike-friendly than Maine.
  • Alaska has less of an urban feel than Maine.
  • Alaska housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $354,563 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
  • Not enough data to generate comparison.
  • Rent in Alaska is 4.11% more affordable than in Maine.

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

ComparisonMaineAlaska
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 DisastersBlizzards, Nor'eastersEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)70-80 / 50-6060-70 / 40-50
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20-30 / 10-200-30 / -10-10
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40-5010-60+, Varies widely
Annual Snowfall (Inches)50-7070-200+
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Maine to Alaska. Alaska gets 25% fewer sunshine days than Maine.
  • Alaska has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Maine.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and nor'easters in Maine, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanoes in Alaska.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Alaska is 10 degrees colder than in Maine.
  • The average winter lows are 20 degrees colder than they are in Maine.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Alaska. Alaska receives 30 fewer inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and Alaska

ComparisonMaineAlaska
Avg. Household Income$69,543$88,121
Cost of Living Index116.5132.6
State Income Tax5.8%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.3%1.2%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%1.76%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TourismOil & Gas, Tourism, Fishing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alaska tend to earn about 27% more than those in Maine
  • The COLI in Alaska will be 14% higher than what you are used to living in Maine
  • Hooray, moving to AK means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Alaska is high compared to moderate affluence in Maine
  • The poverty level is low in Alaska compared to moderate poverty in Maine
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maine and moderate in Alaska

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. Alaska

ComparisonMaineAlaska
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areasConservative in rural regions
ReligionChristianity, but highly secular overallChristianity with notable indigenous spiritual practices
  • Maine tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Alaska, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Alaska's religious environment can be described as Christianity with notable indigenous spiritual practices
  • Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity but highly secular overall

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Alaska

ComparisonMaineAlaska
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maine
Colby College
Bates College
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska Pacific University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFalmouth Elementary
Yarmouth Elementary
Cumberland Elementary
Aurora Elementary - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Trailside Elementary - Anchorage
Top 3 Middle SchoolsYarmouth Middle School
Falmouth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Mears Middle School - Anchorage
Romig Middle School - Anchorage
Goldenview Middle School - Anchorage
Top 3 High School SchoolsYarmouth High School
Cape Elizabeth High School
Falmouth High School
West High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High School
Dimond High School - Anchorage
Top 3 private high schoolsWaynflete School - Portland
John Bapst Memorial High School - Bangor
Cheverus High School - Portland
Grace Christian School - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWaynflete School - Portland
North Yarmouth Academy - Yarmouth
Maine Central Institute - Pittsfield
Pacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
Anchorage Christian Schools - Anchorage
Top 3 School DistrictsFalmouth School District
Scarborough School District
Yarmouth Schools
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Top Maine to Alaska Movers

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

TOP PICK
SC Moving Services featured image

SC Moving Services

Best moving company overall for Maine to Alaska

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Vacationland Moving featured image

Vacationland Moving

9.02/10
ALSO GREAT
Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists featured image

Earle W Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists

8.65/10
FabulousView details
Top Maine to Alaska Routes

Portland to Alaska