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Maine to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 2,357 mile interstate move from Maine to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maine vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Lobster vs Green Chile), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs pueblo-style, territorial), 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 Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in Maine
  • Rent in New Mexico is 25.01% more affordable than in Maine
  • Moving from Maine to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Maine to New Mexico movers is JP Moving

Maine to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to New Mexico

ConsMaine iconMaine
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • High cost of heating
  • Far from attractions
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Milder winters
  • Diverse job market
  • Lower heating cost
  • Close to Santa Fe

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • No ocean
  • Different seafood
  • Less seasonal variation
  • Smaller rural towns
Maine iconMaine
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Lobster cuisines
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Charming small towns

Pros of moving from Maine to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to New Mexico with a diverse job market
  • Swap the high cost of heating in Maine for a lower heating cost in New Mexico
  • Get ready for proximity to Santa Fe in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Maine to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful coastlines in Maine to live with no ocean in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lobster cuisines and have to settle for the con of different seafood
  • Time to bid farewell to four distinct seasons and get used to less seasonal variation in New Mexico
  • Swap charming small towns for smaller rural towns

Maine vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMaineNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemLobsterGreen Chile
Most popular meat dishLobster RollCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemItalian SandwichBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodBlueberry CrispGreen Chile Stew (Vegan Version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • DiMillo's On The Water
  • Duckfat
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Modelo Mexican Foods
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 New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Lobster of Maine for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Italian Sandwich, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Blueberry Crisp they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Green Chile Stew (Vegan Version) of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., DiMillo's On The Water, and Duckfat. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, Frontier Restaurant, and El Modelo Mexican Foods.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and New Mexico

ComparisonMaineNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodPueblo-style, Territorial
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 listingProximity to nature, large yardsSolar panels, energy efficiency
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo-style and Territorial architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to nature and large yards, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like solar panels and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Mexico is more walkable than Maine.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Maine.
  • New Mexico has more of an urban feel than Maine.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 70% increase in Maine.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 25.01% more affordable than in Maine.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Maine and New Mexico

ComparisonMaineNew Mexico
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, Nor'eastersWildfires, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVaries (urban vs. rural)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)70-80Β°F / 50-60Β°F85-95Β°F / 55-65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)25-35Β°F / 10-20Β°F45-55Β°F / 20-30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4314
Annual Snowfall (Inches)7522
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maine to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 40% more sunshine days than Maine.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maine.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and nor'easters in Maine, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flooding in New Mexico.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico 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 New Mexico. New Mexico receives 29 fewer inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and New Mexico

ComparisonMaineNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$69,543$59,726
Cost of Living Index116.596.45
State Income Tax5.8%4.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.30%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%7.8%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, TourismOil and Gas, Tourism, Film
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowHigher
HomelessnessManageableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 14% less than in Maine
  • The COLI in New Mexico is 17% lower than what you are used to living in Maine
  • The state income tax in NM is 4.9% compared to 5.8% in ME
  • The affluence in New Mexico is varied compared to moderate affluence in Maine
  • The poverty level is higher in New Mexico compared to low poverty in Maine
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Maine and concerning in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. New Mexico

ComparisonMaineNew Mexico
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive on social issuesMixed economic policies
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher Catholic presence
  • Maine tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • New Mexico's religious environment can be described as having a higher Catholic presence
  • Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to New Mexico

ComparisonMaineNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maine
Colby College
Bates College
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCape Elizabeth Elementary
Yarmouth Elementary
Falmouth Elementary
Sydney Gutierrez Middle Charter
Holloman Middle
Wood Gormley Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsFalmouth Middle School
Yarmouth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Albuquerque Academy
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School
Jefferson Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsFalmouth High School
Cape Elizabeth High School
Yarmouth High School
La Cueva High School
Albuquerque Academy
Cottonwood Classical Prep
Top 3 private high schoolsWaynflete School
John Bapst Memorial High School
Lincoln Academy
Albuquerque Academy
Sandia Preparatory School
Santa Fe Preparatory School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWaynflete School
North Yarmouth Academy
Berwick Academy
Albuquerque Academy
Sandia Preparatory School
Bosque School
Top 3 School DistrictsFalmouth Public Schools
Yarmouth Schools
Cape Elizabeth Schools
Los Alamos Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools

How Much Do Maine to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 2,357 miles from Maine to New Mexico will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,539300 ft3$8.46
1 Bedroom$3,786450 ft3$8.41
2 Bedrooms$6,272750 ft3$8.36
3 Bedrooms$9,1441100 ft3$8.31
4 Bedrooms$13,2201600 ft3$8.26
5+ Bedrooms$14,7821800 ft3$8.21

Top Maine to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

Best moving company overall for Maine to New Mexico

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
SC Moving Services featured image

SC Moving Services

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Vacationland Moving featured image

Vacationland Moving

9.02/10
Top Maine to New Mexico Routes

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