Thinking of moving to Maine? The state has a $76.6 billion economy, with growing jobs in the life sciences, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate sectors. Plus, with its top-ranked healthcare system and low crime rates, Maine ranks as the 2nd-best state for quality of life.
But the move comes with trade-offs. The state’s median home price is $419,034, which is about 14% higher than the national average. Still, many are choosing cities like Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor for their lower living costs and better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- The state has a robust economy, with increasing jobs in the life sciences, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate sectors.
- Maine’s healthcare system ranks 6th-best in the nation.
- Maine is the 2nd-safest state, with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country.
- The state has a graduated income tax ranging from 5.80% to 7.15%, which is one of the highest in the country.
- The cost of living in Maine is 13% higher than the national average.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Maine has a continental climate. Summers are typically humid and warm, while winters are cold and snowy.
3 Reasons to Move to Maine
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Maine, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Jobs in Maine
Maine’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries, with 39,000 job openings in June 2025.
- Life Sciences: With over 450 life science companies, Maine’s life sciences sector contributes around $2.3 billion, and supports over 10,000 jobs in the state. On average, a life science worker in Maine makes $108K per year.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector contributes over $6.6 billion and supports 250,416 jobs in 2024. Major employers like The Baker Company, Bath Iron Works, and Pratt & Whitney North Berwick are industry leaders.
- Healthcare: With 41 hospitals across the state, Maine ranks among the top 10 states for healthcare. On average, a healthcare worker in Maine earns $37,717 per year. Roles like nurses, therapists, and physician assistants are in high demand.
- Real Estate: The real estate sector contributes over $12 billion and supports over 18,623 jobs in the state. High-demand roles include licensed real estate agents and property managers. The average annual salary of a real estate worker in Maine is $83K.
2. Healthcare in Maine
Maine ranks 6th in the US for healthcare, and 2nd for healthcare accessibility. Over 94% of the state’s population has insurance coverage. Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center are among the top healthcare facilities in Maine.
Additionally, MaineCare is Maine’s Medicaid program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible individuals. Eligibility depends on both age and income. For example, adults between 21 and 64 must have a monthly income of $1,801 or less to be eligible.
3. Low Crime Rates
Maine ranks #2 in the US for public safety, with the second-lowest violent crime rate at only 1.02 incidents per 1,000 people. It also has a low property crime rates of 11.21 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Cities like Winterport, Richmond, and Otis-Dedham are among the safest places to live in Maine. Each has maintained a crime rate below 0.4% for the past three years.
Pros and Cons of Living in Maine
Here are the major benefits and downsides of moving to Maine:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You’ll have access to a growing job market in the life sciences, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate sectors. | 1. The cost of living in Maine is 13% higher than the national average. Housing is also significantly more expensive. |
| 2. Maine is the 2nd-safest US state, with only 1.02 violent crime incidents per 1,000 residents. | 2. Maine receives around 50 to 110 inches of snowfall annually, making winters especially harsh. |
| 3. The state ranks among the top 10 in the country for its healthcare system. | 3. The state has the 4th-highest overall tax burden in the country. |
| 4. With 89% of the area covered under forests, outdoor recreation is abundant in Maine. | 4. The state faces several challenges due to its aging infrastructure. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Maine 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Maine:
1. Cost of Living in Maine
The cost of living in Maine is 13% higher than the national average. So, you’ll end up spending more on daily expenses like utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare.
However, Maine is still an attractive option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
Much of the infrastructure in Maine is aging. 39% of the roads are in poor or fair condition, and 15.4% of a total 2,518 bridges are structurally deficient. Additionally, the state has failed to meet its target of replacing 1% aging water infrastructure annually.
Despite facing several challenges, Maine is actively working to improve its infrastructure. Initiatives like MaineDOT, driven by $4.8 billion federal funding under the Bipartisan Law, aim to improve the state’s roads and bridges, and add new roundabouts.
3. Climate in Maine
Maine has a continental climate. Summers are typically warm and hot, with temperatures ranging from 57°F to 78°F. In contrast, winters are very cold and snowy, with average temperatures between -9°F and 32°F. On average, the state receives 50 to 110 inches of snowfall each year.
The state is prone to winter storms with heavy snow and high winds, and flooding in spring due to snowmelt. Coastal communities like Portland, Bath, and Lewiston are at high risk of flooding. Make sure to check the FEMA-designated risk zones in your area before moving to Maine.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: After moving to Maine, you must register your vehicle and obtain a driver’s license within 30 days. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- To Carry a Firearm: No permit is required to purchase, possess, and carry a firearm if you are 21 years or older. However, a permit is useful when visiting other states.
- Recreational Marijuana: Adults aged 21 or above can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and up to 5 grams of concentrate and hash. You are also allowed to grow up to 3 mature and 12 immature plants in your home.
- Pet Registration Laws: The state requires licensing of all dogs aged 6 months and above. The licenses are issued by local municipalities. On average, an online dog license costs $1, with an additional shipping fee of $1.75 for a yearly license.
5. Tax Burden in Maine
Maine ranks #4 for its overall high tax burden in 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Maine’s primary tax burden for an individual:
- Income Tax: The state has a graduated income tax ranging from 5.80% to 7.15% of your income. Plus, you will pay 2% additional income tax for income exceeding $1 million. However, unlike other states, cities in Maine do not levy any local income tax.
- Sales Tax: With a sales tax rate of 5.50%, Maine has the 3rd-lowest state sales tax in the country. Additionally, the state does not allow cities to levy any local sales taxes.
- Property Tax: Property taxes in Maine are levied at the city level. Every city has its own property tax rates. However, Maine has an effective property tax rate of 0.94%, which is slightly higher than the U.S average.
How to Move to Maine?
Before buying a house in Maine, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $135 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, hiring a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Maine:
- Electricity and Gas: Major energy service providers in Maine include Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant Power for electricity, and Unitil and Maine Natural Gas for natural gas. Visit your city’s website to find out about the service provider in your area.
- Water: These services in Maine are primarily provided by the local municipality’s utility office, along with a few local companies. You can visit your city’s website to know more.
- Internet: Spectrum (cable) and Fidium Fiber are among the largest service providers in Maine. On average, internet and cable connections cost between $20 to $80 per month. You can visit their respective websites to compare packages.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Maine?
Most schools in Maine let you register online:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be 5 years old by August 15 to start kindergarten, and 6 years old to enter first grade. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts or report cards from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their eligibility first to avoid any complications.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 28% of Maine residents work from their homes. If you are someone who works remotely, just make sure that your employer follows all the Maine tax and employment rules.
- Find a New Job: Visit the Maine.gov portal career section for state government positions. You can also visit online job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn to find new job openings in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Maine housing market can be highly competitive for buyers. The median home price in Maine is $419K, which is higher than the national average. Here’s what you need to know:
- In popular cities like Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor, the average rent is around $2,015. This rent depends on the neighborhood you are moving to, and the nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes in Portland and Lewiston cost around $572K. On the other hand, suburbs like Caribou and Presque Isle offer more affordable housing options, with a median price of around $70K.
Should I Move to Maine?
Yes, you should definitely move to Maine. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Maine isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Maine’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Pine Tree State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Maine, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Maine, long before the moving boxes are packed.
