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Maine to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 2,788 mile interstate move from Maine to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maine vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Lobster vs Potatoes), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maine), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Potatoes & Idaho Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Maine
  • Rent in Idaho is 11.08% more affordable than in Maine
  • Moving from Maine to Idaho will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,000
  • Our top recommended Maine to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company

Maine to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to Idaho

ConsMaine iconMaine
  • Long winters
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Far from national parks
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Milder climate
  • Affordable housing
  • Diverse opportunities
  • Close to nature

Idaho iconIdaho
  • No ocean access
  • Lack of historic sites
  • Limited fresh seafood
  • Less cultural diversity
Maine iconMaine
  • Coastal beauty
  • Rich history
  • Local seafood
  • Charming small towns

Pros of moving from Maine to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to long winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Idaho with affordable housing
  • Swap the limited job market of Maine for diverse opportunities in Idaho
  • Get ready for close proximity to nature in Idaho

Cons of moving from Maine to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the coastal beauty in Maine to live with no ocean access in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle with the con of a lack of historic sites
  • Time to bid farewell to local seafood and get used to limited fresh seafood in Idaho
  • Swap charming small towns for less cultural diversity

Maine vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMaineIdaho
Most iconic local food itemLobsterPotatoes
Most popular meat dishLobster RollIdaho Trout
Most popular street food itemItalian SandwichFries with Idaho Fry Sauce
Most popular vegan foodWild Blueberry PieQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Fore Street
  • Duckfat
  • Boise Fry Company
  • State & Lemp
  • Westside Drive-In
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Maine to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Lobster of Maine for the equally delicious Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Italian Sandwich, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho Trout and Fries with Idaho Fry Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Blueberry Pie they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Fore Street, and Duckfat. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boise Fry Company, State & Lemp, and Westside Drive-In.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and Idaho

ComparisonMaineIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialRanch, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean views, Proximity to natureMountain views, Access to outdoor activities
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and proximity to nature, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and access to outdoor activities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Idaho is more walkable than Maine.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Idaho is more bike-friendly than Maine.
  • Idaho has more of an urban feel than Maine.
  • Idaho housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 70% increase in Maine.
  • Rent in Idaho is 11.08% more affordable than in Maine.

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

ComparisonMaineIdaho
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersBlizzards, Ice StormsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVaries (Good to Moderate)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)70Β°F / 50Β°F85Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 13Β°F37Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4312-20 (varies by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)7560
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maine to Idaho. Idaho gets 4% more sunshine days than Maine.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maine.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and ice storms in Maine, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 15 degrees warmer than in Maine.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Maine.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 31 fewer inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and Idaho

ComparisonMaineIdaho
Avg. Household Income$69,543$72,785
Cost of Living Index116.591.5
State Income Tax7.15%6.925%
Avg. Property Tax1.3%0.75%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Tourism, FishingAgriculture, Technology, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateRising
PovertyStableFluctuating
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 5% more than in Maine
  • The COLI in Idaho will be 21% lower than what you are used to living in Maine
  • The state income tax in ID is 6.925% compared to 7.15% in ME
  • The affluence in Idaho is rising compared to moderate affluence in Maine
  • The poverty level is fluctuating in Idaho compared to stable poverty in Maine
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maine and moderate in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. Idaho

ComparisonMaineIdaho
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsCommunity-OrientedConservative Values
ReligionLess Religiously AffiliatedChristianity Predominant
  • Maine tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
  • Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Idaho

ComparisonMaineIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maine
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCape Elizabeth School
Falmouth Elementary School
Yarmouth Elementary School
Longfellow Elementary School - Boise
White Pine Elementary - Boise
Anser Charter School - Garden City
Top 3 Middle SchoolsYarmouth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Falmouth Middle School
North Junior High School - Boise
Lakeside Middle School - Plummer
Heritage Middle School - Meridian
Top 3 High SchoolsYarmouth High School
Cape Elizabeth High School
Falmouth High School
Boise High School - Boise
Timberline High School - Boise
Renaissance High School - Meridian
Top 3 private high schoolsWaynflete School - Portland
Berwick Academy - South Berwick
George Stevens Academy - Blue Hill
Bishop Kelly High School - Boise
The Ambrose School - Meridian
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWaynflete School - Portland
Berwick Academy - South Berwick
Chop Point School - Woolwich
The Ambrose School - Meridian
Riverstone International School - Boise
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy - Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 School DistrictsFalmouth School District
Yarmouth Schools
Cape Elizabeth Schools
Boise School District
West Ada School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

How Much Do Maine to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 2,788 miles from Maine to Idaho will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $10,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,783300 ft3$9.28
1 Bedroom$4,152450 ft3$9.23
2 Bedrooms$6,883750 ft3$9.18
3 Bedrooms$10,0401100 ft3$9.13
4 Bedrooms$14,5231600 ft3$9.08
5+ Bedrooms$16,2481800 ft3$9.03

Top Maine to Idaho Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Maine to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Maine to Idaho

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
SC Moving Services featured image

SC Moving Services

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Maine to Idaho Routes

Portland to Idaho