Alaska Local Expert
Mackenzie Schultz
“She's spent years learning how to type with her toes, but still not sure why.”
See full bio
Moving from AK to Maine: Who Wins, Who Struggles, and Who Shouldn't Bother
Few relocations test your sense of adventure quite like trading one remote, rugged corner of America for another. Alaska and Maine share a reputation for breathtaking wilderness and fiercely independent residents, but life in the Last Frontier and life in the Pine Tree State are worlds apart in ways that go far beyond the miles between them. Swapping perpetual winter darkness and vast untamed terrain for Atlantic coastline and a slower New England pace comes with real surprises that catch many transplants off guard. Our Snappy Scout team (Mackenzie & Greg) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you need to understand before you start loading the moving truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
How Many Miles from AK to ME?
Average distance
4,900miles
Typical route
The drive from Alaska to Maine typically routes through Canada via the Alaska Highway (AK-1/BC-97), connecting to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), then entering the US through the northeast and traveling along I-95 North to Maine.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Anchorage, AK → Portland, ME
~4950 miles
Fairbanks, AK → Bangor, ME
~5100 miles
Juneau, AK → Augusta, ME
~4800 miles
Anchorage, AK → Bangor, ME
~5000 miles
Wasilla, AK → Portland, ME
~4750 miles
Should You Move From Alaska to Maine Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Maine from Alaska is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
How Much Should You Expect to Budget on a AK to ME Move?
Moving 4,900 miles from Alaska to Maine will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
5–12days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,860.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,110.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860.00 | 450 | $4.13 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,400.00 | 1,600 | $4 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,110.00 | 1,800 | $3.95 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
How Will Your Current AK Lifestyle Work in ME?
Well, it depends. If you're a Retired Snowbird, PTA President, or Gamer, you'll thrive in your move to Maine. But if you're more of a Cowboy, Retired Military, or Binge Shopper, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Alaska to Maine.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from AK to ME
Snowbirds
Alaska
4.5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Beautiful summers but winters are brutally long here
Maine
Gaining
Blissful summers, then head south after Fryeburg Fair.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
KennebunkportCamden
Alaska
4.5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
PTA Life
Alaska
4
/10
Maine
6.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Strong community spirit but small school districts limit it
Maine
Gaining
Beach to Beacon 10K, Yarmouth Clam Festival, Falmouth Fall Classic.
Recommended ME cities/areas for PTA Presidents
Cape ElizabethFalmouthYarmouth
Alaska
4
/10
Maine
6.5
/10
Gaming
Alaska
4
/10
Maine
6
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Long dark winters help, but internet speeds often don't
Maine
Gaining
Bangor Comic & Toy Con, Orono LANs, decent fiber.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Gamers
BangorOrono
Alaska
4
/10
Maine
6
/10
Cowboys
Alaska
8
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Alaska State Fair rodeos, rugged frontier pride
Maine
Gaining
Fryeburg Fair livestock thrills, few open ranges or rodeos.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Cowboys
Aroostook CountyFryeburg
Alaska
8
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Military Culture
Alaska
9
/10
Maine
6
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Elmendorf and Fort Wainwright offer strong community
Maine
Gaining
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard nearby, Togus VA, welcoming towns.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Retired Militaries
Alaska
9
/10
Maine
6
/10
Shopping
Alaska
3.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Alaska
Giving up
Shopping malls, local boutiques, artist galleries, outdoor gear, Alaska-made goods, gift shops, brick and mortar shopping
Maine
Gaining
Outlets scratch itch, limited luxury spree, thrifting bonanza
Recommended ME cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
Alaska
3.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Maine?
The welcoming nature of the people in Maine. It doesn't matter who your father was, where you went to college, or what you did for work wherever it was you came from. You're here now. So look someone in the eye, smile, and say something friendly. Most people will respond in kind. After about 5 minutes of chatting, they'll treat you like an old friend. After 10, they'll offer you their truck when you need one. It really is OK if you come from Massachusetts. Just don't act like it.
– Greg Reid
Maine Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Alaska and living in Maine
AlaskaMaine
The Local Food Culture Between AK and ME
Eating Like a Local in Alaska
Beer Battered Fish and Chips (Try the Halibut or Rockfish!), Local Alaskan Oysters, King Crab Legs, PelMeni's, Fish Tacos, and Grilled Salmon. Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Farmed Salmon!
Mackenzie SchultzAlaska Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Maine
Forget your grinder, sub sandwich, or hoagie. This form of nourishment is called "an Italian." Hot or cold. Open-faced or closed. It's an Italian. Meatball sandwich? Meatball Italian. Veggie grinder? Veggie Italian. Italian sub? You guessed it: Italian Italian.
Greg ReidMaine Local ExpertAK to ME: Your Complete Tax Breakdown
Alaska
Maine
AlaskavsMaine
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone, plus you get a Permanent Fund Dividend check annually
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Alaska
None, plus you get a Permanent Fund Dividend check annually
VS
Maine
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesAmong the lowest nationwide, no statewide levy
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Alaska
Among the lowest nationwide, no statewide levy
VS
Maine
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
How AK and ME Break Down on Values, Beliefs, & Politics
Alaska
Maine
AlaskavsMaine
People
PeopleRugged, self-reliant, welcoming and happy to help
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Alaska
Rugged, self-reliant, welcoming and happy to help
VS
Maine
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Politics
Libertarian-leaning red with fierce independent streak, ranked choice voting
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Alaska
Libertarian-leaning red with fierce independent streak, ranked choice voting
VS
Maine
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Religion
ReligionMajority Christian including Protestants, Russian Orthodox, and Catholics, significant Native spiritual traditions, alongside Church of Latter-day Saints, as well as non-religious
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Alaska
Majority Christian including Protestants, Russian Orthodox, and Catholics, significant Native spiritual traditions, alongside Church of Latter-day Saints, as well as non-religious
VS
Maine
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
The Weather Divide Between AK and ME
SUMMER
Alaska
Can be shockingly pleasant sweater weather (mostly 60s, sometimes 70s-80s inland)
Maine
beach day needs a hoodie (sea breeze chills the coast, inland towns flirt with ninety)
WINTER
Alaska
Frostbite mode (Interior hits minus 40, Coasts are windy and rainy mild). Dark!
Maine
nostril freezing theater (Aroostook goes full deep freeze, Portland stays slushy and stubborn)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Maine
Winter: Hiking with my dog over snow-covered trails, biting cold morning air
Spring: Watching the sun rise a little earlier each day, the sudden eruption of greenery in May
Summer: Outdoor concerts, Portland Hearts of Pine soccer matches, kids playing outside til dusk
Fall: Exploring Casco Bay Islands, sampling pumpkin-spiced brews
Greg ReidMaine Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Maine
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Alaska, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Maine. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Maine local experts.
Moving toPortland
Bring your dog, your Subaru, your HOP hoodie and your Red Sox cap.
Moving toAugusta
Prep for Slanted Floors and Seven Bridges
Moving toBangor
Mortal Mortgages, Moose Eyes, Bunyan Selfies
