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Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Maine
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have โ as well as your home size and layout โ will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to Maine
If youโre moving to Maine from Chicago, IL, youโll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Maine
| Chicago, IL | Maine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,009 |
| Average home cost | $295,743 | $401,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $68,251 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.8% |
Maine sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 88% less expensive in Maine than in Chicago.
- Home prices are about 42.4% higher in Maine than in Chicago.
- The average income is about 4.2% lower in Maine than in Chicago.
- Maine has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 115.1%.
- Income taxes are 17.17% higher in Maine than in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Maine
| Chicago, IL | Maine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 1,395,722 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic 52.6-45.3 |
| Summer high | 84ยบF | 78ยบF |
| Winter low | 19ยบF | 7ยบF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 35" | 75" |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 13.17 |
Maine sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Maine is approximately 49% lower than the population of Chicago.
- In the last presidential election, Maine voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in Maine is 78ยบ F and in Chicago, itโs 84ยบ F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Maine reaches the temperature of 7ยบ F and Chicago gets down to 19ยบ F.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Maine vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
- In Maine, it snows about 75 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Maine:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Maine side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in Maine |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Beautiful outdoors |
| Delicious food | High quality |
| Abundant entertainment | Delicious fresh food |
| Intense sports culture | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Maine:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Maine.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in Maine |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | Harsh winter weather |
| Temperamental weather | High tax burden |
| Terrible traffic | Remote |
| High taxes | Limited job progression |
| Pollution | Low diversity |
Other considerations when moving to Maine from Chicago
- 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: If your building has an elevator, youโll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Maine. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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 youโve got everything covered.
Things to do in Maine
Whether youโre looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโll be happy to find a plethora of these in Maine.
Museums in Maine
Parks in Maine
Sports Teams in Maine
Universities in Maine
FAQs
How long does a move from Chicago to Maine take?
The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Maine depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโre using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Maine?
Need to get your car from Chicago to Maine? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Maine car shippers.
Why are people moving from Chicago to Maine?
Many people are moving to Maine because of its beautiful outdoors and high quality. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
