Michigan to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Maine

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• Higher cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Urban sprawl

ProsMaine

• Milder winters
• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Natural beauty

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Maine

• Fewer large lakes
• Limited job opportunities
• Rural isolation
• Fewer major events

Michigan

• Great Lakes access
• Diverse job market
• Vibrant cities
• Large sports venues

Pros of moving from Michigan to Maine

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Maine with affordable housing
• Swap the heavy traffic of Michigan for less congestion in Maine
• Get ready for natural beauty in Maine

Cons of moving from Michigan to Maine

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Great Lakes access in Michigan to live with fewer large lakes in Maine
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle with the con of limited job opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant cities and get used to rural isolation in Maine
• Swap large sports venues for fewer major events

Michigan vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Venison and sumptuous Coney Dog, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster and Italian Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben Sandwich 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 Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and American Coney Island. 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 The Lost Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Maine

• The Ranch and Colonial architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Colonial architecture typical of Maine.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and open floor plans, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like ocean proximity and historic details.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Maine is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Maine is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Maine has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Maine housing costs are 64% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Maine is 25.24% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Maine. Maine gets 18% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Maine has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and nor'easters in Maine.
• The average summer high temperature in Maine is 1 degree colder than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 12.9 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Maine

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 4% more than in Michigan
• The COLI in Maine will be 28% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in ME is 5.8% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Maine is comfortable compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is low in Maine compared to noticeable in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Michigan and minimal in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Maine

• Michigan tends to lean towards being a competitive swing state. Democrats currently hold the governorship and control the state legislature and urban centers such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing vote reliably Democratic while rural regions lean Republican and many suburbs are mixed. Labor unions have enduring influence and there is no party registration system in its political climate.
• Maine, on the other hand, is often described as having an independent streak with ticket-splitting. Democrats tend to perform well statewide and in the 1st Congressional District while the more rural 2nd District leans Republican. The delegation is ideologically mixed, with Republican and Independent senators. Maine uses ranked-choice voting for federal races and can split electoral votes by district.
• Maine's religious environment can be described as among the less religiously observant states according to surveys. Christian traditions, including Catholic and mainline Protestant, are present with smaller Jewish and other faith communities, especially around Portland and college towns. A relatively high share of the population identifies as religiously unaffiliated.
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse. There is a Christian majority, notably Catholic, mainline, and evangelical Protestant, along with significant Muslim and Jewish communities in metropolitan areas. A sizable share of residents are religiously unaffiliated.

How Much Do Michigan to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 1,002 miles from Michigan to Maine will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.