Skip to content

Free comparison

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
Maine
97.2
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 0.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
Maine
28.4 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 55% 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
$1,210/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 14% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (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
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 7.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
Idaho
199
Idaho has 1.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
53
Idaho
24
Idaho has 55% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Maine
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 37% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineIdaho 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 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.

Related comparisons