Massachusetts to Maine Moving Guide
Updated June 24, 2025

Planning a 254 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Maine? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Maine across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable living), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs cape cod, farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Boston Baked Beans, but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & Lobster
- Maine housing costs are 36% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
- Rent in Maine is 28.45% more affordable than in Massachusetts
- Moving from Massachusetts to Maine will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
- Our top recommended Massachusetts to Maine movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Massachusetts to Maine Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Maine
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Crowded urban areas
- Dense population
- Noisy environment
- More affordable living
- Less traffic
- Spacious landscapes
- Sparser population
- Quieter surroundings
- Fewer cultural events
- Limited higher education
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less diversity
- Smaller art community
- Rich cultural heritage
- Top-tier universities
- Better job market
- Diverse population
- Thriving arts scene
Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Maine
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable living
- Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Maine with less traffic
- Swap the crowded urban areas of Massachusetts for spacious landscapes in Maine
- Get ready for a sparser population in Maine
Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Maine
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural heritage in Massachusetts to live with fewer cultural events in Maine
- You'll lose out on the pro of top-tier universities and have to settle with the con of limited higher education
- Time to bid farewell to a better job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in Maine
- Swap a diverse population for less diversity
Massachusetts vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maine |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Lobster Roll |
Most popular meat dish | Boston Baked Beans | Lobster |
Most popular street food item | Cannoli | Italian Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Jacked Fruit Tacos | Seaweed Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Massachusetts to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Boston Baked Beans and sumptuous Cannoli, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster and Italian Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seaweed Salad of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Neptune Oyster, Union Oyster House, and Mama Maria's. 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 Duckfat.
When comparing lifestyles, Maine shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Massachusetts. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Maine, compared to what you are used to in Massachusetts. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Maine.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Maine
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maine |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Cape Cod, Farmhouse |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to public transportation, Granite countertops | Waterfront access, Large acreage |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Farmhouse architecture typical of Maine.
- Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference access to public transportation and granite countertops, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront access and large acreage.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Maine is less walkable than Massachusetts.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Maine is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
- Maine has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
- Maine housing costs are 36% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Massachusettsβs $612,509.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
- Rent in Maine is 28.45% more affordable than in Massachusetts.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Massachusetts and Maine
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maine |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Nor'easters, Blizzards | Nor'easters, Blizzards, Coastal Erosion |
Air Quality | Good | Very Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F/60Β°F | 70Β°F/50Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F/22Β°F | 31Β°F/11Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47.7 | 45.7 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 51 | 75 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to Maine. Maine gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
- Maine has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
- Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential nor'easters, blizzards, and coastal erosion in Maine.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Maine is 10 degrees colder than in Massachusetts.
- The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Maine. Maine receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Maine
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maine |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $69,543 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 116.5 |
State Income Tax | 5.00 | 7.15 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.23 | 1.30 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25 | 5.50 |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Finance | Healthcare, Tourism, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Average |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Visible | Less Visible |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 26% less than in Massachusetts
- The COLI in Maine is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
- The state income tax in ME is 7.15 compared to 5.00 in MA
- The affluence in Maine is average compared to high in Massachusetts
- The poverty level is moderate in Maine compared to low in Massachusetts
- In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Massachusetts and less visible in Maine
Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Maine
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maine |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderate with a lean towards Democratic |
Local Politics | Highly active political scene | Community-focused with significant individual participation |
Religion | Catholicism predominant, diverse religious communities | Protestant majority, but with growing diversity in religious practice |
- Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
- Maine, on the other hand, is often described as moderate with a lean towards Democratic
- Maine's religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority but with growing diversity in religious practice
- Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Catholic with diverse religious communities
Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Maine
Comparison | Massachusetts | Maine |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | MIT (Cambridge) Harvard University (Cambridge) Tufts University (Medford) | University of Maine (Orono) Bowdoin College (Brunswick) Bates College (Lewiston) |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Joseph E. Fiske Elementary (Wellesley) Ambrose Elementary (Winchester) Vinson-Owen Elementary (Winchester) | Cape Elizabeth Elementary (Cape Elizabeth) Yarmouth Elementary (Yarmouth) Falmouth Elementary (Falmouth) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | William Diamond Middle School (Lexington) Blanchard Middle School (Westford) McCall Middle School (Winchester) | Cape Elizabeth Middle School (Cape Elizabeth) Yarmouth Middle School (Yarmouth) Falmouth Middle School (Falmouth) |
Top 3 High Schools | Boston Latin School (Boston) Lexington High School (Lexington) Brookline High School (Brookline) | Cape Elizabeth High School (Cape Elizabeth) Yarmouth High School (Yarmouth) Falmouth High School (Falmouth) |
Top 3 private high schools | Phillips Academy (Andover) Noble and Greenough School (Dedham) Milton Academy (Milton) | Waynflete School (Portland) North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth) Berwick Academy (South Berwick) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Roxbury Latin School (West Roxbury) Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge) Milton Academy (Milton) | Waynflete School (Portland) North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth) Berwick Academy (South Berwick) |
Top 3 School Districts | Weston School District (Weston) Lexington School District (Lexington) Wellesley School District (Wellesley) | Falmouth School District (Falmouth) Cape Elizabeth School District (Cape Elizabeth) Yarmouth School District (Yarmouth) |
How Much Do Massachusetts to Maine Movers Cost?
Moving 254 miles from Massachusetts to Maine will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,145 | 300 ft3 | $3.82 |
1 Bedroom | $1,698 | 450 ft3 | $3.77 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,798 | 750 ft3 | $3.73 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,056 | 1100 ft3 | $3.69 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,832 | 1600 ft3 | $3.65 |
5+ Bedrooms | $6,485 | 1800 ft3 | $3.60 |
Top Massachusetts to Maine Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Massachusetts to Maine movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Maine