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Moving from Maine to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

ME state flag
Living now

Maine

Capital: Augusta

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

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maine
97.0
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 1.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 14% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
Idaho
98.9
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Idaho
13 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 54% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
Idaho
99.1
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 31% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
Idaho
$1,057/mo
Idaho is 17% more expensive to rent

Sources: EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maine
79°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 10% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 100% more winter lows
Sunny days / year
Maine
42.6
Idaho
199
Idaho has 367% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
196 in
Idaho
19 in
Idaho is 90% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
45.4
Idaho
34
Idaho has 25% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maine
33 in
Idaho
50 in
Idaho is 52% more annual snowfall

Get the full MaineIdaho 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 Idaho than Maine?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.5 for Maine — 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?

Maine tops out at 7.15% income tax. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

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

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

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