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Moving from Maine to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest 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.

ND state flag
Moving to

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

North Dakota has an overall price level 89.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maine
97.0
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 8.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 9.5% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 2.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 58% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 1.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 22% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 8.0% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maine
79°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 6.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 2.8% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 7.7% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 60% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
33
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 27% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 52% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineNorth Dakota report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota than Maine?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (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. North Dakota tops out at 2.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Dakota?

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

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