Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Washington to Maine

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

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

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

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

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
Washington
107.0
Maine
97.0
Maine has 9.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Maine
78.9
Maine has 37% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Washington
101.8
Maine
99.3
Maine has 2.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Maine
99.6
Maine has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 97% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Maine
99.4
Maine has 2.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 43% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,641/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 45% 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
Washington
79°F
Maine
79°F
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 69% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 14% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
Maine
196
Maine has 29% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 14% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39
Maine
33
Maine has 15% lower AQI
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 179% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonMaine 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 Washington?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington — 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?

Washington tops out at 0% 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.

Related comparisons