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Moving from Illinois to Maine

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
Maine
97.0
Maine has 2.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Maine
78.9
Maine has 16% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Maine
99.3
Maine has 0.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Maine
99.6
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 50% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Maine
99.4
Maine has 0.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 22% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 23% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 7.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 42% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 18% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Maine
196
Maine has 3.7% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 13% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Maine
33
Maine has 18% lower AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 326% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisMaine report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Maine than Illinois?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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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