Pennsylvania to Maine Moving Guide
Updated June 15, 2025

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
- Higher taxes
- Dense population
- Traffic congestion
- Polluted air
- High crime rates
- Lower taxes
- Sparse population
- Efficient public transport
- Fresh air
- Lower crime rates
- Fewer job opportunities
- Limited cultural activities
- Quiet rural environments
- Limited dining options
- Frequent power outages
- 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
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Maine |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Lobster Roll |
Most popular meat dish | Pork and Sauerkraut | Lobster |
Most popular street food item | Soft Pretzels | Italian Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Mushroom Cheesesteak | Seaweed Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Maine |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, granite countertops | Waterfront 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 Pennsylvaniaβs $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
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Maine |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Flooding, Snowstorms | Snowstorms, Cold Waves |
Air Quality | Good | Very Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 62Β°F | 79Β°F / 59Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 21Β°F | 31Β°F / 13Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42 | 45 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 38 | 75 |
- 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
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Maine |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $69,543 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 116.5 |
State Income Tax | 3.07% | 5.8% - 7.15% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.58% | 1.30% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 5.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education | Healthcare, Tourism, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | Average |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Manageable | Low |
- 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
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Maine |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing State, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation | Leans Democratic, especially in urban areas |
Local Politics | Moderately diverse political landscape with representation across the spectrum | Local politics tend to focus on environmental, fishing, and maritime concerns |
Religion | Religiously 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
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Maine |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Whitemarsh Elementary Conshohocken Franklin Elementary Sewickley Elmwood Elementary Mechanicsburg | Yarmouth Elementary Yarmouth Cape Elizabeth Elementary Cape Elizabeth Falmouth Elementary Falmouth |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Radnor 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 Schools | Conestoga 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 schools | The 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 schools | The Shipley School Bryn Mawr Episcopal Academy Newtown Square Friends' Central School Wynnewood | Waynflete School Portland Hebron Academy Hebron Watershed School Camden |
Top 3 School Districts | Tredyffrin-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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,328 | 300 ft3 | $4.43 |
1 Bedroom | $1,973 | 450 ft3 | $4.38 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,257 | 750 ft3 | $4.34 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,729 | 1100 ft3 | $4.30 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,811 | 1600 ft3 | $4.26 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,586 | 1800 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.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Maine