Movers

Wisconsin to Maine Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 1,173 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Maine? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Maine across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (midwestern, cape cod vs new england, cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maine), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & Lobster
  • Maine housing costs are 33% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Maine is 45.29% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Maine will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Maine movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Maine

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat terrain
  • Limited ocean access
  • High property taxes
ProsMaine iconMaine
  • Milder winters
  • Scenic coastline
  • Abundant ocean views
  • Lower property taxes

Maine iconMaine
  • Fewer urban amenities
  • Less cheese variety
  • Fewer social events
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Vibrant cities
  • Famous cheese culture
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Maine

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to Maine with scenic coastline
  • Swap the limited ocean access of Wisconsin for abundant ocean views in Maine
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in Maine

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Maine

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant cities in Wisconsin to live with fewer urban amenities in Maine
  • You'll lose out on the pro of famous cheese culture and have to settle for the con of less cheese variety
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to fewer social events in Maine

Wisconsin vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinMaine
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsLobster Roll
Most popular meat dishBratwurstLobster
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsItalian Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerBlueberry Smoothie
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mader's
  • Culver's
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Duckfat
  • The Lost 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 Wisconsin to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster and Italian Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blueberry Smoothie of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and Culver's. 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., Duckfat, and The Lost Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Maine

ComparisonWisconsinMaine
Typical Architecture StyleMidwestern, Cape CodNew England, Cottage
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 listingLarge backyards, GaragesCoastal views, Proximity to nature
  • The Midwestern and Cape Cod architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the New England and Cottage architecture typical of Maine.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and garages, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like coastal views and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maine is more walkable than Wisconsin.
  • Maine is similarly bike-friendly to Wisconsin.
  • Maine has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Maine housing costs are 33% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased 70% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Maine is 45.29% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinMaine
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, TornadoesSnowstorms, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F79Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)29Β°F / 13Β°F31Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"45"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"61"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Maine. Maine gets 7% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Maine has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and nor'easters in Maine.
  • The average summer high temperature in Maine is 3 degrees colder than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maine. Maine receives 11 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Maine

ComparisonWisconsinMaine
Avg. Household Income$70,996$69,543
Cost of Living Index95.65116.5
State Income Tax3.54%-7.65%5.8%-7.15%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%1.09%
Avg. Sales Tax5.43%5.50%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareHealthcare, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessManageableManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 2% less than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Maine is 22% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in ME is 5.8% to 7.15% compared to 3.54% to 7.65% in WI
  • The affluence in Maine is moderate compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is moderate in Maine compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Wisconsin and manageable in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Maine

ComparisonWisconsinMaine
Political Make-upSwing StateLargely Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed Urban/Rural InfluenceMore Uniform Across the State
ReligionChristianity PredominantChristianity Predominant, Less Religious Diverse
  • Wisconsin tends to lean swing state in its political climate
  • Maine, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic
  • Maine's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian and less religiously diverse
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Maine

ComparisonWisconsinMaine
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Marquette University
Milwaukee
University of Maine
Orono
Bowdoin College
Brunswick
Colby College
Waterville
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsShorewood Hills Elementary
Madison
Swan School
Milwaukee
Elm Creative Arts School
Milwaukee
Yarmouth Elementary School
Yarmouth
Cape Elizabeth School
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth Elementary School
Falmouth
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay
Longfellow Middle School
Wauwatosa
Bayside Middle School
Bayside
Yarmouth Middle School
Yarmouth
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth Middle School
Falmouth
Top 3 High SchoolsEau Claire Memorial High
Eau Claire
Brookfield East High School
Brookfield
Cedarburg High School
Cedarburg
Yarmouth High School
Yarmouth
Cape Elizabeth High School
Cape Elizabeth
Falmouth High School
Falmouth
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Marquette University High School
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Waynflete School
Portland
John Bapst Memorial High School
Bangor
Hebron Academy
Hebron
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Prairie School
Racine
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Waynflete School
Portland
Hebron Academy
Hebron
North Yarmouth Academy
Yarmouth
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton
Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Falmouth School District
Falmouth
Cape Elizabeth School District
Cape Elizabeth
Yarmouth School District
Yarmouth

How Much Do Wisconsin to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 1,173 miles from Wisconsin to Maine will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,867300 ft3$6.22
1 Bedroom$2,779450 ft3$6.17
2 Bedrooms$4,594750 ft3$6.12
3 Bedrooms$6,6821100 ft3$6.07
4 Bedrooms$9,6401600 ft3$6.02
5+ Bedrooms$10,7551800 ft3$5.97

Top Wisconsin to Maine Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Maine

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Wisconsin to Maine Routes

Milwaukee to Maine

Madison to Maine