Which place is cheaper, Alaska or Maine?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Maine or Alaska?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Maine and Alaska can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Maine or Alaska?
Maine
The U.S. state of Maine is situated in the northeastern most region of the country. While it is known for its rugged rocky coastline and maritime history, the state also has a landscape of rolling mountains carpeted in thick pine forests, with many peaceful lakes popular with visitors seeking a close to nature kind of getaway. The capital city is Augusta, though the most populous is Portland, which has much to offer in sightseeing attractions and activities.
Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMaine $207Alaska $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Maine is $207, while the average daily cost in Alaska is $243. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Maine and Alaska in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMaine $107Alaska $135
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMaine $214Alaska $270
Compare Hotels in Maine and Alaska
Looking for a hotel in Maine or Alaska? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Maine $43Alaska $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maine:
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $41
- Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $41
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $68
- Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $68
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
- Private Transfer Whittier Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport ANC: $232
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage : $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Maine or Alaska?
Prices for flights to both Alaska and Maine change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMaine $51Alaska $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $210
- Kenai Fjords Glacier Dinner Cruise from Seward: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Maine $33Alaska $65
Tours and Activities in Maine
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Maine are as follows:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
- Acadia: Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
- Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
- Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
- Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
- Gold Rush Boomtown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Skagway: $5.00
- Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
- Fort Seward: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Alaska’s historical Port Chilkoot: $6.99
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Fairbanks, AK: $15
- Sensational Sitka Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Seward Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- DIY Skagway Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $20
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Kennecott Mill Town Tour: $34
- Kennecott Mill Town Tour: $34
- Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
- Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMaine $23Alaska $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Maine and Alaska, we can see that Alaska is more expensive. And not only is Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maine and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Alaska would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alaska than you might in Maine.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Maine Expensive? and Is Alaska Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Maine or Alaska?
Maine has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of Maine and Alaska, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.