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Pennsylvania to Maine Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 635 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Maine? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Maine across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (colonial vs cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maine), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & Lobster
  • Maine housing costs are 50% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Maine is 22.42% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Maine will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Maine movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Maine

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher taxes
  • Dense population
  • Traffic congestion
  • Polluted air
  • High crime rates
ProsMaine iconMaine
  • Lower taxes
  • Sparse population
  • Efficient public transport
  • Fresh air
  • Lower crime rates

Maine iconMaine
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited cultural activities
  • Quiet rural environments
  • Limited dining options
  • Frequent power outages
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Vibrant city life
  • Variety of cuisines
  • Reliable utilities

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Maine

  • Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from a dense population and moving to Maine with a sparse population
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Pennsylvania for efficient public transport in Maine
  • Get ready for fresh air in Maine

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Maine

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse job market in Pennsylvania to live with fewer job opportunities in Maine
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich cultural heritage and have to settle with the con of limited cultural activities
  • Time to bid farewell to vibrant city life and get used to quiet rural environments in Maine
  • Swap a variety of cuisines for limited dining options

Pennsylvania vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMaine
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakLobster Roll
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautLobster
Most popular street food itemSoft PretzelsItalian Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Reading Terminal Market
    • Pat's King of Steaks
    • Zahav
    • Eventide Oyster Co.
    • The Holy Donut
    • Fore Street
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 Pennsylvania to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Soft Pretzels, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster and Italian Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cheesesteak 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav. 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., The Holy Donut, and Fore Street.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Maine

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMaine
Typical Architecture StyleColonialCape Cod
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 listingHardwood floors, granite countertopsWaterfront access, rustic features
  • The Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod architecture typical of Maine.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront access and rustic elements.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Maine is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Maine is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Maine has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Maine housing costs are 50% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Maine is 22.42% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMaine
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 DisastersFlooding, SnowstormsSnowstorms, Cold Waves
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 62Β°F79Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 21Β°F31Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4245
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3875
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Maine. Maine gets 11% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Maine has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible flooding and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold waves in Maine.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Maine is 6 degrees cooler than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Maine

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMaine
Avg. Household Income$71,798$69,543
Cost of Living Index99.7116.5
State Income Tax3.07%5.8% - 7.15%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%1.30%
Avg. Sales Tax6%5.5%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, EducationHealthcare, Tourism, Retail
AffluenceModerateAverage
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessManageableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 3% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Maine will be 17% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in ME is 5.8% - 7.15% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in Maine is average compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is moderate in Maine compared to low in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Pennsylvania and low in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Maine

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMaine
Political Make-upSwing State, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representationLeans Democratic, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsModerately diverse political landscape with representation across the spectrumLocal politics tend to focus on environmental, fishing, and maritime concerns
ReligionReligiously diverse, with Christianity being predominant.Less religiously diverse, Christianity dominates but with a higher rate of non-affiliation.
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation in its political climate
  • Maine, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, especially in urban areas
  • Maine's religious environment can be described as less religiously diverse, with Christianity dominating but a higher rate of non-affiliation
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse, with Christianity being predominant

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Maine

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMaine
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Maine
Bowdoin College
Bates College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWhitemarsh Elementary
Conshohocken
Franklin Elementary
Sewickley
Elmwood Elementary
Mechanicsburg
Yarmouth Elementary
Yarmouth
Cape Elizabeth Elementary
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth Elementary
Falmouth
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRadnor Middle School
Radnor
Haverford Middle School
Havertown
Welsh Valley Middle School
Narberth
Yarmouth Middle School
Yarmouth
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth Middle School
Falmouth
Top 3 High SchoolsConestoga High School
Berwyn
Central High School
Philadelphia
Lower Merion High School
Ardmore
Cape Elizabeth High School
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth High School
Falmouth
Yarmouth High School
Yarmouth
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School
Haverford
The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
Friends' Central School
Wynnewood
Waynflete School
Portland
John Bapst Memorial High School
Bangor
Hebron Academy
Hebron
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Shipley School
Bryn Mawr
Episcopal Academy
Newtown Square
Friends' Central School
Wynnewood
Waynflete School
Portland
Hebron Academy
Hebron
Watershed School
Camden
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Wayne
Radnor Township School District
Radnor
Lower Merion School District
Ardmore
Falmouth School Department
Falmouth
Yarmouth Schools
Yarmouth
Cape Elizabeth Schools
Cape Elizabeth

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 635 miles from Pennsylvania to Maine will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,328300 ft3$4.43
1 Bedroom$1,973450 ft3$4.38
2 Bedrooms$3,257750 ft3$4.34
3 Bedrooms$4,7291100 ft3$4.30
4 Bedrooms$6,8111600 ft3$4.26
5+ Bedrooms$7,5861800 ft3$4.21

Top Pennsylvania to Maine Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Maine

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

Philadelphia to Maine

Pittsburgh to Maine