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Moving from North Dakota to Maine

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

ND state flag
Living now

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

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

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest 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
North Dakota
89.0
Maine
97.0
Maine has 9.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
Maine
78.9
Maine has 11% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
Maine
99.3
Maine has 2.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
Maine
99.6
Maine has 1.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 137% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
Maine
99.4
Maine has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 28% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 8.6% more expensive 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 Dakota
84°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 6.0% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
Maine
11°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 2.9% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
Maine
196
Maine has 7.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 148% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
Maine
33
Maine has 21% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 108% more annual snowfall

Get the full North DakotaMaine 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 Dakota?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.4 for North Dakota — 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 Dakota tops out at 2.5% 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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