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Moving from Iowa to Maine

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

IA state flag
Living now

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

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
Iowa
87.8
Maine
97.0
Maine has 11% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Maine
78.9
Maine has 21% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Maine
99.3
Maine has 2.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Maine
99.6
Maine has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 111% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Maine
99.4
Maine has 1.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 50% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 18% more expensive 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
Iowa
85°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 7.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 15% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Maine
196
Maine has 2.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 29% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Maine
33
Maine has 55% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 170% more annual snowfall

Get the full IowaMaine report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Maine than Iowa?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 90 for Iowa — 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?

Iowa tops out at 3.8% 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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