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Moving from North Carolina to Maine

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast. vs. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

NC state flag
Living now

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

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
North Carolina
94.3
Maine
97.0
Maine has 2.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Carolina
81.4
Maine
78.9
Maine has 3.0% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.6
Maine
99.3
Maine has 0.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Carolina
99.1
Maine
99.6
Electricity rate
North Carolina
16 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 77% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.9
Maine
99.4
Maine has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
North Carolina
$333,000
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 2.7% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Carolina
$1,274/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 29% 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
North Carolina
88°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 10% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Carolina
30°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 63% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
North Carolina
59°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 27% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Carolina
213
Maine
196
Maine has 8.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Carolina
50 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 8.5% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Carolina
38
Maine
33
Maine has 13% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Carolina
6 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 1250% more annual snowfall

Get the full North CarolinaMaine 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 Maine than North Carolina?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for North Carolina — 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?

North Carolina tops out at 3.99% 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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