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Moving from Maine to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maine
97.0
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 9.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 62% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Maine
97.2
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 1.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Maine
28.4 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 3.6% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 78% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$1,210/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 53% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maine
79°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 3.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 100% more winter lows
Sunny days / year
Maine
42.6
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 369% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
196 in
Massachusetts
47 in
Massachusetts is 76% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
45.4
Massachusetts
46
Massachusetts has 1.3% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Maine
53
Massachusetts
0
Massachusetts has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Maine
0 in
Massachusetts
25 in

Get the full MaineMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts than Maine?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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