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Moving from South Carolina to Maine

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

SC state flag
Living now

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

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

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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
South Carolina
93.7
Maine
97.0
Maine has 3.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
Maine
78.9
Maine has 1.9% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.4
Maine
99.3
Maine has 0.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
Maine
99.6
Electricity rate
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 72% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
Maine
99.4
Maine has 0.7% higher transportation
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 14% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 25% 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
South Carolina
91°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 13% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 67% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 32% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
Maine
196
Maine has 9.3% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 6.2% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Carolina
39
Maine
33
Maine has 15% lower AQI
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 8000% more annual snowfall

Get the full South 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 South Carolina?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 94.6 for South 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?

South Carolina tops out at 6% 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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