California to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Maine

ConsCalifornia

• High living costs
• Heavy traffic
• Frequent wildfires
• Drought conditions

ProsMaine

• Lower living costs
• Less traffic
• Safer natural environment
• Abundant water supply

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Maine

• Fewer diverse restaurants
• Colder winters
• Smaller job market
• Fewer coastal options

California

• Abundant dining options
• Mild winters
• Vibrant job market
• Top-rated beaches

Pros of moving from California to Maine

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Maine with less traffic
• Swap the frequent wildfires of California for a safer natural environment in Maine
• Get ready for an abundant water supply in Maine

Cons of moving from California to Maine

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from abundant dining options in California to live with fewer diverse restaurants in Maine
• You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of colder winters
• Time to bid farewell to a vibrant job market and get used to a smaller job market in Maine
• Swap top-rated beaches for fewer coastal options

California vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Fish Tacos of California for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip and sumptuous Tacos, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster Stew and Italian Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blueberry Smoothie of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Animal, and Lovers Seafood and Market. After the boxes are unpacked in Maine, don't wait too long before making your way to Maine's acclaimed eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Duckfat, and Fore Street.

When comparing lifestyles, Maine shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Maine compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Maine.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Maine

• The Modern and Mediterranean architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maine.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor living spaces and accessibility, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like privacy and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Maine is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Maine is less bike-friendly than California.
• Maine has less of an urban feel than California.
• Maine housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Maine is 33.37% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Maine

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Maine. Maine gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Maine has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Maine.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Maine is 6 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 35 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 21 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Maine

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 24% less than in California
• The COLI in Maine will be 15% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in ME is 7.15% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Maine is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Maine compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Maine

• California tends to lean Liberal-Democratic in its political climate
• Maine, on the other hand, is often described as moderate with a blend of Democrats and Republicans
• Maine's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with historical Protestant roots
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from California to Maine

How Much Do California to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 3,250 miles from California to Maine will typically cost between $4,500 and $11,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.