Planning on moving to the Pine Tree State? You’re not alone! More than 2,500 families are moving to Maine, making it one of the top 10 states for relocation. With this growth, Maine’s population has hit 1.4 million in 2024.
The Pine Tree State has a robust job market with a low unemployment rate of just 2.8%. The average cost to live in Maine is 31.5% lower than the national average, with a single person’s monthly expenses averaging $3,267. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Maine
Maine is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to ME:
| # | Reasons to Move to ME | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Maine is 3% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Pine Tree State added 19,000 new payroll jobs in 2024 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Safety Index | The state of Maine ranks #2 in the U.S. for public safety. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Maine is 3% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other New England states like Vermont and Massachusetts, where living costs are 1% and 27.5% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Maine’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Portland | $612,500 | $1,340 | $49.9 | $194.79 | $696 |
| Augusta | $265,000 | $1,801 | $48.3 | $211.52 | $597 |
| Bangor | $270,488 | $1,281 | $48.8 | $200.00 | $525 |
| Lewiston | $315,000 | $1,298 | $50 | $156.67 | $670 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Maine’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Pine Tree State added 19,000 new payroll jobs in 2024.
- Life Sciences: Maine hosts 587 life science companies in biotech, medical research, and product manufacturing. These companies employ 9,826 people, with the sector growing by 31% over the past five years.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector employs 250,416 people in 2024. Major employers like The Baker Company, Bath Iron Works, and Pratt & Whitney North Berwick play a leading role in this industry.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: Over 116,887 people work in healthcare and social assistance in Maine. The state added 3,728 jobs in ambulatory healthcare and 2,310 in hospitals, which is the highest number of jobs over the last decade. St. Joseph Healthcare and Central Maine Healthcare are top employers.
- Agriculture: Maine’s 1.2 million acres of farmland support a strong agricultural sector. High-demand roles include cultivation technicians, farm workers, and operations associates. ADM, Lucas Tree Experts, and Nutrien are some of the state’s top employers.
3. Safety Index
Maine ranks #2 in the U.S. for public safety, with the second-lowest violent crime rate at 1.1 incidents per 1,000 people. It also has one of the lowest property crime rates, ranking fourth with 12.4 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Cities like Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, and Eliot are some of the safest places to live in Maine. Each has maintained a crime rate below 0.4% for the past three years.
Cost of Moving to Maine 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to ME:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $560 to $4,523
Moving to Maine involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Maine movers typically cost $135 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Maine.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Maine.
- When relocating to Maine, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in ME is around $432/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Maine. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in ME ranges from $35. A standard title fee is around $33.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Pine Tree State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Augusta, Bangor, and Lewiston the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Maine, home prices vary across the state. Popular neighborhoods like Portland have a median home price of $612K On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Caribou is $185K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Maine ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to ME, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Maine neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
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