Iowa to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Maine

ConsIowa

• Unpredictable weather
• Limited coastline
• Flat landscapes
• Fewer seafood options

ProsMaine

• Moderate climate
• Scenic coastlines
• Picturesque hills
• Abundant seafood

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Maine

• Higher cost of living
• Lesser farming opportunities
• Limited farmland
• Adjusting to new communities

Iowa

• Low cost of living
• Rich agricultural heritage
• Ample farmland
• Familiar communities

Pros of moving from Iowa to Maine

• Say goodbye to unpredictable weather and hello to a moderate climate
• Look forward to moving away from a limited coastline and moving to Maine with scenic coastlines
• Swap the flat landscapes of Iowa for picturesque hills in Maine
• Get ready for abundant seafood in Maine

Cons of moving from Iowa to Maine

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Iowa to live with a higher cost of living in Maine
• You'll lose out on the pro of a rich agricultural heritage and have to settle with the con of lesser farming opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to ample farmland and get used to limited farmland in Maine
• Swap familiar communities for adjusting to new communities

Iowa vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Corn of Iowa for the equally delicious Lobster of Maine. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Pork Tenderloin and sumptuous Taco Pizza, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Whoopie Pie to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Chili 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 Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Fong's Pizza, and The Machine Shed Restaurant. 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., Fore Street, and The Lost Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Maine

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maine.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and family-friendly features, Maine real estate listings often highlight aspects like proximity to the coast and scenic views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Maine is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike, as Maine is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Maine has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Maine housing costs are 83% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Maine is 68.12% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Maine. Maine gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Maine has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, 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 15 degrees colder than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Maine

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 0% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in Maine will be 21% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in ME is 5.8% compared to 4.25% in IA
• The affluence in Maine is moderate compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is noticeable in Maine compared to moderate in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and low in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Maine

• Iowa tends to lean generally Republican in its political climate with urban counties voting more Democratic while rural areas lean more Republican; it has been historically competitive but has been trending right since 2016.
• Maine, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic statewide with an independent streak; split-ticket voting is common and the 1st Congressional District is more liberal while the 2nd is more conservative; ranked-choice voting is used in many federal races.
• Maine's religious environment can be described as among the least religiously observant states with a large share of the religiously unaffiliated; there is a Christian presence, especially Catholic and mainline Protestant, with a smaller evangelical footprint.
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, including mainline Protestant, evangelical Protestant, and Catholic, with a notable share of the religiously unaffiliated and moderate overall religious service attendance.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Maine

How Much Do Iowa to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 1,422 miles from Iowa to Maine will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.