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Moving from Maine to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maine
97.0
Washington
107.0
Washington has 10% higher overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
Washington
126.0
Washington has 60% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
Washington
101.8
Washington has 2.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
Washington
101.1
Washington has 1.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 49% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
Washington
101.4
Washington has 2.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 76% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 81% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maine
79°F
Washington
79°F
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 218% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 17% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
Washington
152
Washington has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 12% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maine
33
Washington
39
Washington has 18% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 64% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineWashington 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 Washington than Maine?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

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