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Maine to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 253 mile interstate move from Maine to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maine vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs diverse job opportunities), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and Maple Glazed Ham, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Boston Baked Beans (with pork)
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 56% more expensive than they are in Maine
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 39.76% more expensive than in Maine
  • Moving from Maine to Massachusetts will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended Maine to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Maine to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to Massachusetts

ConsMaine iconMaine
  • Limited job market
  • Long brutal winters
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Isolated areas
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Milder winters
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Urban connectivity

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • High cost of living
  • Dense traffic
  • Less personal space
  • Expensive real estate
Maine iconMaine
  • Peaceful rural life
  • Beautiful natural landscapes
  • Close-knit communities
  • Lower housing costs

Pros of moving from Maine to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to diverse job opportunities
  • Look forward to moving away from long brutal winters and moving to Massachusetts with milder winters
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Maine for a vibrant cultural scene in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for urban connectivity in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Maine to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from peaceful rural life in Maine to live with a high cost of living in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful natural landscapes and have to settle for the con of dense traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to less personal space in Massachusetts
  • Swap lower housing costs for expensive real estate

Maine vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMaineMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishMaple Glazed HamBoston Baked Beans (with pork)
Most popular street food itemBlueberry CrumbleFried Clams
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lobster Shack
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Hugo's
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 Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Maine for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Maple Glazed Ham and sumptuous Blueberry Crumble, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Boston Baked Beans (with pork) and Fried Clams to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like The Lobster Shack, Eventide Oyster Co., and Hugo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Square Donuts, and Neptune Oyster.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and Massachusetts

ComparisonMaineMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialColonial, Victorian
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 listingWaterfront, acreageProximity to public transportation, hardwood floors
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and acreage, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transportation and hardwood floors.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Massachusetts is more walkable than Maine.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Maine.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Maine.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 56% more expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46%, compared to a 70% increase in Maine.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 39.76% more expensive than in Maine.

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

ComparisonMaineMassachusetts
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 DisastersSnowstorms, Ice stormsSnowstorms, Coastal storms
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F80Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 13Β°F36Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"47"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"43"
  • Massachusetts gets an equal number of sunshine days as Maine.
  • Massachusetts has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Maine.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and ice storms in Maine, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and coastal storms in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 5 degrees warmer than in Maine.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer in Massachusetts than they are in Maine.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and Massachusetts

ComparisonMaineMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$69,543$94,488
Cost of Living Index116.5121.55
State Income Tax7.15%5.00%
Avg. Property Tax1.30%1.17%
Avg. Sales Tax5.50%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Agriculture, HealthcareEducation, Technology, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 36% more than in Maine
  • The COLI in Massachusetts is 4% higher than what you are used to living in Maine
  • The state income tax in MA is 5.00% compared to 7.15% in ME
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate affluence in Maine
  • The poverty level is moderate in Massachusetts compared to a lower level in Maine
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maine and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonMaineMassachusetts
Political Make-upModerately liberalStrongly liberal
Local PoliticsBlend of local and national issuesFocus on education, healthcare, and tech growth
ReligionProtestant, CatholicCatholic, Non-religious
  • Maine tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as strongly liberal
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as Catholic and non-religious
  • Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Massachusetts

ComparisonMaineMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maine
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFalmouth Elementary
Falmouth; Yarmouth Elementary
Yarmouth; Cape Elizabeth Elementary
Cape Elizabeth
John D. Hardy Elementary
Wellesley; Joseph E. Fiske Elementary
Wellesley; Vinson-Owen Elementary
Winchester
Top 3 Middle SchoolsFalmouth Middle School
Falmouth; Yarmouth Middle School
Yarmouth; Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth
William Diamond Middle School
Lexington; Jonas Clarke Middle School
Lexington; Raymond J. Grey Junior High School
Acton
Top 3 High School SchoolsFalmouth High School
Falmouth; Yarmouth High School
Yarmouth; Cape Elizabeth High School
Cape Elizabeth
Boston Latin School
Boston; Lexington High School
Lexington; Brookline High School
Brookline
Top 3 private high schoolsWaynflete School
Portland; North Yarmouth Academy
Yarmouth; Berwick Academy
South Berwick
Phillips Academy
Andover; Milton Academy
Milton; The Winsor School
Boston
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWaynflete School
Portland; North Yarmouth Academy
Yarmouth; Berwick Academy
South Berwick
Phillips Academy
Andover; Milton Academy
Milton; The Winsor School
Boston
Top 3 School DistrictsFalmouth School District; Yarmouth School Department; Cape Elizabeth School DepartmentWellesley Public Schools; Lexington Public Schools; Brookline Public Schools

How Much Do Maine to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 253 miles from Maine to Massachusetts 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 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,144300 ft3$3.81
1 Bedroom$1,697450 ft3$3.77
2 Bedrooms$2,796750 ft3$3.73
3 Bedrooms$4,0551100 ft3$3.69
4 Bedrooms$5,8291600 ft3$3.64
5+ Bedrooms$6,4821800 ft3$3.60

Top Maine to Massachusetts Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Maine to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
SC Moving Services featured image

SC Moving Services

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Maine to Massachusetts Routes

Portland to Massachusetts