ME to VA Moving Specialists

Maine to Virginia Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 853 mile interstate move from Maine to Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maine vs Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Virginia Ham), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and Clam Chowder, but get your taste buds ready for Virginia Ham & Fried Chicken
  • Virginia housing costs are 2% less expensive than they are in Maine
  • Rent in Virginia is 0.76% more expensive than in Maine
  • Moving from Maine to Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Maine to Virginia movers is ARS Movers
Maine to Virginia featured image

Top Maine to Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Maine to Virginia

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Vacationland Moving featured image

Vacationland Moving

9.02/10
Superb

Maine to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to Virginia

ConsMaine iconMaine
  • Harsh winters
  • Rural isolation
  • Higher taxes
  • Limited job market
ProsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Milder climate
  • Cultural diversity
  • Lower taxes
  • Robust economy

Virginia iconVirginia
  • Busy urban centers
  • Higher crime rates
  • More transient population
  • Faster pace of life
Maine iconMaine
  • Coastal beauty
  • Low crime rate
  • Community feel
  • Relaxed lifestyle

Pros of moving from Maine to Virginia

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Virginia with cultural diversity
  • Swap the higher taxes of Maine for lower taxes in Virginia
  • Get ready for a robust economy in Virginia

Cons of moving from Maine to Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal beauty in Maine to live with busy urban centers in Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle with the con of higher crime rates
  • Time to bid farewell to a community feel and get used to a more transient population in Virginia
  • Swap a relaxed lifestyle for a faster pace of life

Maine vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMaineVirginia
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollVirginia Ham
Most popular meat dishClam ChowderFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemItalian SandwichPeanuts
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Fore Street
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Duckfat
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • LeGrand Kitchen
  • Mama J’s Kitchen
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 Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Maine for the equally delicious Virginia Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Clam Chowder and sumptuous Italian Sandwich, Virginia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Peanuts 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 BBQ Jackfruit of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like Fore Street, Eventide Oyster Co., and Duckfat. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, LeGrand Kitchen, and Mama J’s Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and Virginia

ComparisonMaineVirginia
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialColonial, 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 listingWaterfront, Quiet NeighborhoodClose to Amenities, Historical Charm
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
  • Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and quiet neighborhoods, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like being close to amenities and historical charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Maine.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Virginia is more bike-friendly than Maine.
  • Virginia has more of an urban feel than Maine.
  • Virginia housing costs are 2% less expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 70% increase in Maine.
  • Rent in Virginia is 0.76% more expensive than in Maine.

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

ComparisonMaineVirginia
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, IceHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)70Β°F / 50Β°F85Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 13Β°F48Β°F / 29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)75"14"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maine to Virginia. Virginia gets 3% more sunshine days than Maine.
  • Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maine.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and ice in Maine, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Virginia.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 15 degrees warmer than in Maine.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Maine.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and Virginia

ComparisonMaineVirginia
Avg. Household Income$69,543$85,873
Cost of Living Index116.596.6
State Income Tax7.15%5.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.29%0.80%
Avg. Sales Tax5.50%5.30%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Healthcare, TourismDefense, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModestModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 23% more than in Maine
  • The COLI in Virginia will be 17% lower than what you are used to living in Maine
  • The state income tax in VA is 5.75% compared to 7.15% in ME
  • The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate in Maine
  • The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to modest in Maine
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maine and moderate in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. Virginia

ComparisonMaineVirginia
Political Make-upLeans Democratic in recent federal races but remains competitive; strong independent streak; uses ranked-choice voting for federal elections; splits electoral votes by congressional district (northern/western district more conservative than coastal/southern district).Shifted from reliably Republican to purple with a slight blue tilt in statewide races; suburbs (especially Northern Virginia) trend Democratic while many rural areas remain conservative; currently a mixed government with a Republican governor and Democratic-controlled legislature.
Local PoliticsMany small towns with town meeting or council-manager systems; local focus on property taxes, land use, fishing/forestry, outdoor recreation, and conservation; high civic participation in smaller communities.Dillon Rule limits local authority to state-granted powers; independent cities and counties with boards/city councils and elected school boards; priorities often include transportation, schools, zoning, and growth management.
ReligionAmong the less religiously observant states; high share religiously unaffiliated; Christian majority with notable Catholic and mainline Protestant presence; smaller evangelical share and modest but growing religious diversity.More religiously observant overall; sizable evangelical Protestant community alongside mainline Protestant and Catholic congregations; increasing religious diversity (including Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities) in suburban and urban areas.
  • Maine tends to lean Democratic in its political climate; it has recently leaned Democratic in federal races but remains competitive, with a strong independent streak that uses ranked-choice voting for federal elections and splits electoral votes by congressional district, as the northern and western districts are more conservative than the coastal and southern districts.
  • Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as having shifted from reliably Republican to purple, with a slight blue tilt in statewide races; its suburbs, especially Northern Virginia, trend Democratic while many rural areas remain conservative; it currently has a mixed government with a Republican governor and a Democratic-controlled legislature.
  • Virginia's religious environment can be described as being more religiously observant overall; it has a sizable evangelical Protestant community alongside mainline Protestant and Catholic congregations, and it is experiencing increasing religious diversity, including Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities in suburban and urban areas.
  • Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as among the less religiously observant states; it has a high share of the religiously unaffiliated, a Christian majority with a notable Catholic and mainline Protestant presence, a smaller evangelical share, and modest but growing religious diversity.

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Virginia

ComparisonMaineVirginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maine
Orono
Bowdoin College
Brunswick
Bates College
Lewiston
University of Virginia
Charlottesville
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsFalmouth Elementary School
Falmouth
Great Falls Elementary School
Gorham
Yarmouth Elementary School
Yarmouth
Colonial Trail Elementary School
Glen Allen
Olde Creek Elementary School
Fairfax
Spring Hill Elementary School
McLean
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGreely Middle School
Cumberland
Falmouth Middle School
Falmouth
Yarmouth Middle School
Yarmouth
Rocky Run Middle School
Chantilly
Eagle Ridge Middle School
Ashburn
Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church
Top 3 High School SchoolsFalmouth High School
Falmouth
Yarmouth High School
Yarmouth
Greely High School
Cumberland
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Alexandria
McLean High School
McLean
Langley High School
McLean
Top 3 private high schoolsWaynflete School
Portland
North Yarmouth Academy
Yarmouth
Cheverus High School
Portland
The Madeira School
McLean
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Alexandria
Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe School in Rose Valley
Portland
Breakwater School
Portland
Acadia Academy
Lewiston
The Potomac School
McLean
Norfolk Academy
Norfolk
St. Catherine's School
Richmond
Top 3 School DistrictsCape Elizabeth School Department
Falmouth Public Schools
Yarmouth School Department
Fairfax County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools

How Much Do Maine to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 853 miles from Maine to Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,433300 ft3$4.78
1 Bedroom$2,131450 ft3$4.73
2 Bedrooms$3,519750 ft3$4.69
3 Bedrooms$5,1151100 ft3$4.65
4 Bedrooms$7,3721600 ft3$4.61
5+ Bedrooms$8,2161800 ft3$4.56
Top Maine to Virginia Routes

Portland to Virginia