Moving to Maine? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Maine is the most northeastern state in the United States, and is the largest state in the New England area by land mass – although the 9th least populous. It features rocky coastlines and plenty of outdoor beauty, as well as being full of maritime history.

If you are considering moving to Maine, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Maine Facts:

Population: 1.372 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $59,463 (2022)
Random Fact: Maine has 3,478 miles of tide coastline
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Maine

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$4,500 – $7,000
Texas	$4,000 – $6,500
Florida	$3,500 – $6,000
New York	$2,500 – $4,000
Pennsylvania	$2,800 – $4,500
Illinois	$3,200 – $5,500
Ohio	$3,000 – $5,000
Georgia	$3,700 – $6,200
North Carolina	$3,400 – $5,800
Michigan	$3,100 – $5,300

2. Maine Housing Costs

The range of rental/house purchase prices in Maine can vary greatly depending on location. For example, in the popular coastal town of Portland, downtown housing prices can be significantly higher than prices for homes located in the suburbs or more rural areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Maine:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $690+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $590+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $1,500+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,250+

Maine Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $2,000+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,500+

Maine Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Maine compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 66.8% more expensive
New York is 77.2% more expensive
Los Angeles is 68.5% more expensive
Toronto is 53.6% more expensive
Sydney is 59.9% more expensive
Paris is 47.4% more expensive
Dubai is 53.1% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Maine is a diverse state, with a range of urban, suburban, and rural areas. As a result, rental and housing prices can vary significantly depending on where you are looking to live. The coastal city of Portland, which is known for its vibrant arts scene, award-winning restaurants, and historic architecture, has become increasingly popular in recent years, resulting in a rise in downtown housing prices. However, if you are willing to look beyond the downtown area, you can find more affordable housing options in surrounding towns.

3. Maine Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Maine has a thriving food and drink scene, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional New England cuisine. Lobster is one of Maine’s most famous foods, but the state also has a reputation for delicious seafood chowders, blueberry pie, and craft beer.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.00
Bottle of Coke: $2.00
1L of Milk: $1.10
Loaf of Bread: $3.50
12 Eggs: $4.00
1kg Chicken: $12.15
1kg Beef: $18.75
1kg Apples: $4.40
1kg White Rice: $2.30

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 19.9% more expensive and groceries are 30.9% cheaper than Maine.
New York restaurants are 31.5% more expensive and groceries are 24.3% more expensive than Maine.
Los Angeles restaurants are 27.5% more expensive and groceries are 4.3% more expensive than Maine.
Toronto restaurants are 9% more expensive and groceries are 9.9% cheaper than Maine.
Sydney restaurants are 8.5% more expensive and groceries are 4% more expensive than Maine.
Paris restaurants are 4% more expensive and groceries are 2.4% more expensive than Maine.
Dubai restaurants are 4.2% more expensive and groceries are 54.1% cheaper than Maine.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Maine is home to numerous farmers’ markets, where local farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and crafts. Prices at farmers’ markets can vary depending on the season and location, but they generally offer high-quality, locally sourced products at reasonable prices. In addition to farmers’ markets, Maine has a range of supermarkets, including both affordable and higher-end options, such as Hannaford, Shaw’s, and Whole Foods, which offer a variety of products to suit different budgets and dietary needs.
Find Cheap Eats: Maine has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Maine Alcohol Costs

Maine, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.25
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.15
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $2.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $15.00

How To Drink For Less in Maine:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Visit Maine.

5. Maine Transportation Fares

Public transportation options in Maine are limited compared to other parts of the United States, particularly outside of major cities. The state does have a few public transportation options, such as buses and trains, but many people rely on personal vehicles to get around, especially in more rural areas.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $50.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Maine

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Maine is around 7°C (45°F). The coldest month is January, with average temperatures around -6°C (21°F), while the hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). The wettest month in Maine is typically November, with an average of around 4.5 inches of precipitation.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $47.00
Summer Dress: $40.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $82.50
Business Shoes: $115.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $90.00
Deodorant: $4.00
Shampoo: $4.50
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $46.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $14.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Maine

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Maine. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Maine from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Maine:

Volkswagen Golf: $25,500+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.90

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Maine:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool World.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Maine

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax rate in Maine is currently 5.5%. However, some cities and towns in Maine may impose an additional local sales tax on top of the state sales tax, which can vary depending on the location. For example, in Portland, the local sales tax rate is 1%, making the total sales tax rate 6.5%.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Maine you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Maine

If you do make the move to Maine, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

London: $370
New York: $70
Los Angeles: $160
Toronto: $170
Vancouver: $280
Dubai: $790
Sydney: $1,130
Melbourne: $970
Cape Town: $1,130
Hong Kong: $1,150

Other Tips on Moving to Maine:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Maine but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Maine Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Maine.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Maine always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite.

12. Moving to Maine with a Family

Maine is generally considered a family-friendly location, with a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. According to recent statistics, Maine’s crime rate is lower than the national average, with property crimes such as theft and burglary being more common than violent crimes.

New Parents (or parents to be): Free and paid antenatal classes and courses exist. Have a look at Maine Health.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Maine has several family-friendly areas to live in, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Located just south of Portland, Cape Elizabeth is known for its excellent schools, beautiful beaches, and quiet, suburban atmosphere. Falmouth is a small town located just north of Portland, with a highly-rated school system and a range of family-friendly activities, such as hiking and boating.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Maine. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Maine for Work

While it is possible to move to Maine without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Maine include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The state’s economy also relies heavily on its natural resources, including fishing, forestry, and agriculture.

As of March 2023, the unemployment rate in Maine is around 3.4%, which is lower than the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Maine from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Maine, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Maine is roughly equivalent in size to the Australian state of Tasmania.
Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Maine from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Maine. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Maine is smaller than the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Maine from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Maine. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Maine is slightly larger than Wales.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Maine, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Maine you can start by comparing moving quotes here.