Moving to Maine: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to Maine? You’re not alone. The Pine Tree State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Portland or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Maine has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Maine so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the Maine information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to ME
Top car shippers to ME
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Maine

Like any big move, relocating to Maine comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Pine Tree State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in Maine

✓Beautiful outdoors
✓High quality
✓Delicious fresh food
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities

Cons of living in Maine

✖Harsh winter weather
✖High tax burden
✖Remote
✖Limited job progression
✖Low diversity

Things to do in Maine

No matter why you’re heading to Maine—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Maine is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in Maine

Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach
Acadia National Park
Mount Desert Island
Kennebunkport
Baxter State Park
Boothbay Harbor
Old Orchard Beach
Portland Museum of Art
Portland Head Light
Victoria Mansion

Museums in Maine

Portland Museum of Art
Victoria Mansion
Cole Land Transportation Museum
Farnsworth Art Museum
Seashore Trolley Museum
Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Somesville Historical Museum and Gardens
Maine Maritime Museum
Umbrella Cover Museum

Parks in Maine

Fort McClary State Historic Site
Fort Allen Park
Bug Light Park
Cascade Park
Bangor City Forest
Penobscot River Walkway
Winslow Memorial Park Camping and Public Beach
Pondicherry Park
Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre
Fort Williams Park

Fun facts about Maine

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about Maine reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

Led by the French explorer Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, the first Europeans arrived in Maine in 1604 in Saint Croix Island.
Maine’s original state capital was Portland until it was moved to Augusta in 1832.
Maine has the most forest cover of any U.S. state. It is nicknamed the “Pine Tree State.”
Maine is home of the Jackson Laboratory, the world’s largest supplier of genetically purebred mice and the world’s largest non-profit mammalian genetic research facility.
Maine has over 2500 lakes and 5000 rivers and streams.
The University of Maine is the oldest, largest and only research university in the state.
About 90% of Maine is forested, the highest percentage of any state.
The state has the lowest population of any state east of the Mississippi River.
Lubec, Maine, is home to America’s only candy cane-striped lighthouse. West Quoddy Head Light stands on the easternmost point of land in the U.S. The first light house was built on this place in 1808.
Milton Bradley, the producer of board games, was born in Vienna, Maine.
The Maine coon is the official state cat and one of the oldest natural breeds in the U.S.
Eartha – the world’s largest rotating and revolving globe is in the town of Yarmouth, Maine. The globe has a diameter of over 41 feet and weighs nearly 5600 pounds. It took two years to build the giant globe. And it surpasses the 33-foot-wide rotating globe in Italy.
Outside of Alaska, Maine has the largest population of Moose in the United States.
Maine is the only state in the United States whose name has one syllable.
Maine was a district of the state of Massachusetts until 1820.
Maine has one of the oldest state constitutions in the country, effective since 1819.

Maine population and demographics

Planning a move to Maine? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Pine Tree State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Maine can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	Maine
Population	1,395,722
Female	50.7%
Male	49.3%
College graduation rate	35.99%
Political leaning	Democratic 52.6-45.3
Crime index	13.17

Maine weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Maine is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Maine’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	Maine
Summer high	78ºF
Winter low	7ºF
Annual rain	46″
Annual snow	75″

Income and cost of living in Maine

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Maine.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Maine and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($9.3 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($8.7 billion)
Professional and business services ($7 billion)
Manufacturing ($6.2 billion)
Retail trade ($5.1 billion)
Finance and insurance ($4.1 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($3.6 billion)
Wholesale trade ($3.5 billion)
Construction ($2.4 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($1.5 billion)

Metric	Maine
Average rent cost	$1,009
Average home cost	$401,297
Average income (per capita)	$68,251
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	2.9%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	5.8%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Maine

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Maine is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in Maine:

The University of Maine
Colby College
Bowdoin College
Bates College
University of New England
University of Southern Maine
Husson University
University of Maine at Machias
Unity College
Maine College of Art
Maine Maritime Academy
College of the Atlantic
University of Maine at Augusta
Thomas College
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Maine

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 9 right here in Maine, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Pine Tree State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Maine

Before making your move to Maine, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Maine

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Maine.

Maine car insurance requirements

In Maine, drivers need at least 50/100/25 liability coverage. This means $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage, according to car insurance laws.

Maine drivers license requirements

New residents of Maine must get a state license within 30 days of moving in. If you have a valid or recently expired (within the last 5 years) driver’s license from another US state, you can get a Class C license, including a REAL ID, at a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Maine?

Moving to Maine is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Maine is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Maine?

On the cost of living index, Maine has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Maine?

The average income in ME is $68,251, and the an unemployment rate is 2.9. Home prices are $401,297, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,009.

What is the downside of living in Maine?

Like any place, Maine has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Pine Tree State include:

Harsh winter weather
High tax burden
Remote
Limited job progression
Low diversity

Maine Moving Resources

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