Alaska vs Maine Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$65,789
in Maine
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Alaska | Maine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 135.7 | -9% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 101.0 | +24% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 118.9 | +32% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 103.6 | +16% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 115.3 | +21% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 102.0 | +20% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 114.0 | +11% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | Maine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $380,000 | $40,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,900/mo | $170 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $3.47/gal | +$0.48 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $174/mo | +$22 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $13,310/yr | +$7,633 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → Maine
What a Alaska salary buys you in Maine, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in Maine | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,988 | +$5,012 |
| $75,000 | $67,482 | +$7,518 |
| $100,000 | $89,976 | +$10,024 |
| $150,000 | $134,964 | +$15,036 |
| $200,000 | $179,953 | +$20,047 |
Positive = your money goes further in Maine. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Alaska is 11% more expensive than Maine overall. Alaska has an index of 126.7 vs 114 for Maine (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Maine?
Maine is cheaper to live in. Alaska is 11% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $380,000 in Maine.
Is Maine cheaper than Alaska?
Yes, Maine is 11% cheaper than Alaska overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Alaska more expensive than Maine?
Yes, Alaska is 11% more expensive than Maine based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Maine equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $89,976 in Maine. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 114).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and Maine?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Alaska. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $380,000 in Maine — a $40,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $1,900/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs Maine?
Utilities is 32% higher in Alaska (index 156.5 vs 118.9). Groceries is 24% higher in Alaska (index 125 vs 101). Healthcare is 21% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 115.3).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or Maine?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $3.47/gallon in Maine — a $0.48 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs Maine cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and Maine has 114 (national average = 100). Alaska is 11% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Maine?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Alaska vs Maine paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alaska Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maine Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs Maine Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- Alaska Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Maine Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alaska Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.