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Moving from California to Maine

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

ME state flag
Moving to

Maine

Capital: Augusta

Median household income $71,773 · winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

Maine has an overall price level 97.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Maine
97.0
Maine has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Maine
78.9
Maine has 49% lower housing costs
Groceries index
California
106.1
Maine
97.2
Maine has 8.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Maine
99.6
Maine has 2.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.4 ¢/kWh
Maine has 19% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Maine
99.4
Maine has 2.7% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 55% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$2,104/mo
Maine
$1,210/mo
Maine is 42% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 6.0% less summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 76% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 28% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Maine
196
Maine has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 78% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
56
Maine
53
Maine has 5.4% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
California
302
Maine
0
Maine has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
California
16 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 406% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaMaine report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Maine than California?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Maine tops out at 7.15%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Maine?

Most Maine residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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