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Moving from Maine to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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.

SC state flag
Moving to

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

South Carolina has an overall price level 93.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maine
97.0
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 3.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 2.0% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
South Carolina
98.4
South Carolina has 0.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
South Carolina
99.1
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 42% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 12% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
South Carolina is 33% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maine
79°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 15% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 200% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 47% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 10% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 6.6% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
33
South Carolina
39
South Carolina has 18% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 99% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineSouth Carolina 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 South Carolina than Maine?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (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. South Carolina tops out at 6%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in South Carolina?

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

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