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Moving from Maine to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maine
97.0
Montana
94.6
Montana has 2.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
Montana
84.6
Montana has 7.2% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
Montana
98.7
Montana has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
Montana
99.2
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 52% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
Montana
98.9
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 24% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 3.1% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maine
79°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 5.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 27% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 2.6% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
Montana
205
Montana has 4.6% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 67% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Maine
33
Montana
42
Montana has 27% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 37% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineMontana 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 Montana than Maine?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

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