Factors affecting the cost of moving from DE to MEtoggle

There are many factors that influence Delaware moving costs. The cost to move from Delaware to Maine will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Delaware is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from DE to ME

If you’re moving to Maine from Delaware, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Delaware vs. Maine

Delaware Maine
Average rent cost $1,286 $1,009
Average home cost $388,654 $401,297
Average income (per capita) $79,325 $68,251
Cost of Living Index 100 100
Unemployment rate 3.0% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 0.0% 5.5%
State Income Tax 6.6% 5.8%
  • Rent is about 22% less expensive in Maine than in Delaware.
  • Home prices are about 3% higher in Maine than in Delaware.
  • The average income is about 14% lower in Maine than in Delaware.
  • Cost of living is about the same in Maine and Delaware.
  • Maine has a lower unemployment rate than Delaware by about 3%.
  • Sales taxes are 6% higher in Maine than in Delaware.
  • Income taxes are 12% lower in Maine than in Delaware.

How life is different in Maine vs. Delaware

Maine Delaware
Population 1,395,722 1,031,890
Political leaning Democratic 52.6-45.3 Democratic 57-43
Summer high 78ºF 87ºF
Winter low 7ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 46" 45"
Annual snow 75" 13"
Crime index 13.17 23.48
  • The population of Maine is approximately 35% greater than the population of Delaware.
  • In the last presidential election, Maine voted Democratic and Delaware voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Maine is 78ºF and in Delaware, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Maine reaches the temperature of 7ºF and Delaware gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Maine versus 45 inches of rainfall in Delaware.
  • In Maine, it snows about 75 inches annually versus 13 inches of snow in Delaware.
  • Maine has a lower crime rate than Delaware with a crime index of 13.17 vs. 23.48.

Comparing the pros of Delaware vs. Maine

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Maine compared to Delaware.

Pros of living in Delaware Pros of living in Maine
Bountiful recreational opportunities Beautiful outdoors
High-quality healthcare High quality
Ample economic opportunity Delicious fresh food
Beautiful beaches Ample economic opportunity
Rich culture Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Delaware vs. Maine

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Delaware for Maine.

Cons of living in Delaware Cons of living in Maine
Hurricanes Harsh winter weather
High crime rate High tax burden
Overcrowding Remote
High cost of living Limited job progression
Limited public transportation Low diversity

Other things to consider for your Delaware to Maine movetoggle

  • Weather: Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maine moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Maine does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Maine. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Mainetoggle

While you’re in Maine, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 1: Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach
  • 2: Acadia National Park
  • 3: Mount Desert Island
  • 4: Kennebunkport
  • 5: Baxter State Park
  • 6: Boothbay Harbor
  • 7: Old Orchard Beach
  • 8: Portland Museum of Art
  • 9: Portland Head Light
  • 10: Victoria Mansion
  • 11: Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
  • 12: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
  • 13: Desert of Maine
  • 14: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
  • 15: Monhegan Island
  • 16: Maine Maritime Museum
  • 17: Farnsworth Art Museum
  • 18: West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
  • 19: Asticou Azalea Garen
  • 20: Seashore Trolley Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Delaware to Maine?toggle

Hiring a full-service Delaware moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Delaware to Maine?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Delaware to Maine separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Delaware to Maine?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Delaware to Maine are the amazing upsides of living in Maine such as beautiful outdoors and high quality.

Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Maine?toggle

While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Delaware, with average rent about 28% less and home prices 3% lower than in Maine. However, taxes are lower in Maine, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Delaware residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Maine?toggle

You should make approximately $60,365 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Maine. The cost of living in Maine is approximately $2,226 per month for an individual and $5,563 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Maine you live For example, larger cities like Portland and Lewiston will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources