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Moving from Massachusetts to Maine

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

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

ME state flag
Moving to

Maine

Capital: Augusta

Median household income $71,773 · winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

Maine has an overall price level 97.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
Maine
97.0
Maine has 8.2% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Maine
78.9
Maine has 38% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Maine
99.3
Maine has 2.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Maine
99.6
Maine has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 6.3% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Maine
99.4
Maine has 1.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 44% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 39% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 3.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 50% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Maine
196
Maine has 2.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 7.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Maine
33
Maine has 14% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 62% more annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsMaine 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 Maine than Massachusetts?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% income tax. Maine tops out at 7.15%.

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

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

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