11 Things to Know Before Moving to Maine

Maine's rocky coastline, outdoor recreation, and annual festivals make it a desirable place for newcomers. You can find a little of everything, whether you want to live in the urban center of Portland or a more rural setting like Auburn.

Locals also enjoy Maine's low cost of living, access to higher education opportunities, and reasonable rents. Before you start hiring movers, learn everything there is to know about moving to Maine.

What’s It Like Living in Maine?

Maine blends forests, coastline, and city living. The state is home to 1,372,247 people, with 18,899 residents living in the capital of Augusta.

The Pine Tree State was founded in 1820 as the 23rd state following the Missouri Compromise. Its early economy included fishing, fur trapping, and farming. Maine also exported lumber, ships, candles, gunpowder, bricks, and more, which helped grow its manufacturing expertise.

Today, Maine is known for its forests, covering 90% of the state. It's easy to see why the state is among the world's largest pulp-paper producers.

Tourism is also a mainstay in Maine's economy, with stops like Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park. The state is also at the official end of The Appalachian Trail at Mount Katahdin. Overall, the state receives almost 22 million visitors every year.

Maine is the easternmost point in the United States and the only state that borders one other state, New Hampshire. It also produces 90% of the country's toothpicks and is the only state in the United States with just one syllable.

Cost of Living in Maine

There are plenty of places to live in Maine that offer a reasonable cost of living. Overall, the state is relatively affordable and provides a little of everything from nature to city living.

Here's a breakdown of how much things cost when moving to different areas of Maine, as reported by Payscale:

Portland, Maine

• Energy bill: $195.4
• Loaf of bread: $3.34
• Doctor's visit: $119.23
• Gallon of gas: $1.95

Bangor, Maine

• Energy bill: $145.03
• Loaf of bread: $2.68
• Doctor's visit: $100.30
• Gallon of gas: $1.56

South Portland, Maine

• Energy bill: $195.49
• Loaf of bread: $3.34
• Doctor's visit: $119.23
• Gallon of gas: $2.82

You may need to adjust your utility bills, depending on the season. Maine residents enjoy mild summers without much need for air conditioning, but winters can get brutal, especially on the coastline. Learn more about what to expect from utilities in an apartment.

Maine's housing prices are on the rise but still less expensive than most states in the Northeast. Over the past year, median home prices climbed to $301,700.

Even among its most densely populated cities, the Maine rental market is affordable. We collected a list of median rent prices in four of the state's most populous cities, including Portland, South Portland, Bangor, Auburn, and Lewiston.

Good news for renters! The rental prices in Maine have not increased year-over-year. However, they have experienced steady growth of around 4.2% over the last three years, still below the 6.7% national average.

We recommend following the 30% rule and spending no more than 30% of your income on rent. To live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Lewiston, you should shoot for an income of at least $26,480 a year or about $13.25 an hour. In one of the more expensive markets of Portland, you should earn at least $54,240 a year or $27.12 an hour for the same-sized apartment.

The median income in Maine is $59,489, as reported by the Census Bureau in 2020 dollars. You can find an affordable city and enjoy a relatively low cost of living in Maine. You'll probably have disposable income left over to upgrade your apartment, explore the best pubs and attractions, and enjoy day trips and hiking.

Maine Job Market and Economy

Maine's economy is growing steadily, with opportunities in hospitality, tourism, lumber, and more. Timber harvesting, manufacturing, animal veterinary software, and retailers like L.L. Bean are among the largest employers in Maine.

The unemployment rate in Maine is 5.4%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 6%. The future job growth over the next decade is predicted to hit 33.7%, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 33.5%. Recent job growth is also trending upward with an increase of 6%.

Public Transportation in Maine

It's challenging to get around Maine without a car. The state doesn't offer a robust public transportation system, but you can find bus services in cities like Portland. Private buses and services like Amtrak can connect you to different cities throughout the state.

More rural areas are also developing commuter connections, although it's usually not a reliable method to get to work.

Transportation in Maine costs around $4,244 for one person. Those expenses rise to $11,565 for two working adults and one child.

The Weather in Maine

Maine's summers are cool and comfortable, with highs of 70. You might see temperatures occasionally soar to 90 degrees during the summer months, but it's unusual and short-lived. June to August usually attracts the most visitors to Maine, and cities and festivals get crowded quickly.

Maine's winters are cold, but you usually won't face prolonged cold snaps. The upside is that you can enjoy skiing at Sugarloaf, Maine's largest single ski mountain.

Fall and Spring are the most glorious times of the year, with blooms of colorful falling leaves that make outdoor recreation a popular pastime.

Maine Attractions

Maine's best attractions surround its forested, coastal beauty. Acadia National Park lives up to its reputation and claims the title of the crown jewel of the North East. For a scenic Drive, Coast highway U.S. 1 features gorgeous views. Other popular destinations include Moxie Falls, Peaks Island, and Sebago Lake feature hiking, waterfalls, and quaint bed and breakfasts nearby.

Maines's rocky coastline creates iconic picture-perfect moments. You'll probably recognize the Portland Head Light from the 1790s, which is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. The station is now automated and maintained by the U.S. Coastguard. The former lighthouse keepers' home is a maritime museum at Fort Williams Park.

Beyond all the natural beauty, the iconic Allagash Brewery is outside Portland's city center and attracts crowds looking for cold brews in the outdoor sunshine. Or head inside to warm up during the winter months and take a tour.

Food Scene and Nightlife in Maine

Maine is famous for steamed lobster and lobster rolls, although that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Fried clams are also a must-eat, which pairs well with just about any dish of lobster you can find.

However, many newcomers are surprised to see blueberries make the list of some of Maines' most iconic foods. Try them with cobbler, jams, and pies. Whoopie pies are also crowd-pleasers, and Needhams, a soft blend of mashed potatoes, coconut, sugar, and vanilla covered in chocolate and sold at Robin's Confections.

Major Annual Maine Events

Crowds gather for some of the best festivals in Maine, including various boating festivals, The Kennebunkport Festival, and Harvest on the Harbor in Portland. You'll find iconic Maine dishes, craft cocktails, wine, and samples from the state's growing foodie scene.

Sports in Maine

Maine doesn't have any professional sports teams, but that doesn't mean they don't support their regional New England teams. Locals root for the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots.

Top Universities in Maine

Maine currently houses 29 accredited, degree-granting institutions of higher learning. The state also offers higher education opportunities to locals looking to grow competitive careers. Here are a few universities in Maine to choose from:

The University of Maine

The University of Maine is located in Orono and offers 75 graduate degree programs and 30 doctoral programs. Some of their more popular programs include business, management, marketing, engineering, education, natural resources and conservation, and more.

University of Southern Maine

Located in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, the University of Southern Maine offers more than 100 undergrad and graduate studies. The historic college was founded in 1978. Some of its most popular programs include public policy and psychology.

University of New England

The University of New England is situated along the stunning coastline where Sacco Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean in Biddeford. It's among the highest-rated institutions by The Princeton Review and is known for attracting aspiring health professionals.

What city in Maine Should You Make Your Home?

There are several cities to choose from when considering moving to Maine.

Portland

Portland, Maine, ranks among the top 10 places to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report for its coastal scenery and blend of city living and small-town charm. For a smaller city, it's still teeming with enviable restaurants, pubs, and proximity to outdoor fun.

Portland is also a great college town for students attending the University of Southern Maine, as it still has a relatively low cost of living for what it offers, but it is more expensive than most areas of Maine.

Lewiston

Lewiston, or "The Lew," boasts vistas of the Androscoggin River with French influences. The small city is among the cheapest places to live in Maine and is known for its whoopie pies.

Despite its smaller size, you’ll find a few museums, breweries, and hiking trails. Lewiston and nearby Auburn are sister cities, offering more amenities for locals in either area.

Bangor

Bangor, Maine, is trending for its low cost of living, small-town feel, and central economy. Winters are known for being harsh in Bangor, though you may not mind with so many snow sporting opportunities. Or stay in town and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.

South Portland

South Portland is a great place to live for its affordability and laid-back lifestyle. The vibe is quiet and family-friendly, but you'll encounter plenty of locals out running, cycling, and biking. Locals enjoy views of the Portland Harbor and the skyline of Portland proper. You can also see the islands of Casco Bay.

Auburn

Auburn attracts newcomers looking for a more rural lifestyle with a reasonable commute to Portland. Hiking along the Auburn Riverwalk and enjoying brews at Side by Each Brewing are favorite pastimes. You're also just a stone's throw from its sister city of Lewiston to find more amenities.

Final Thoughts

Ready to move to Maine and see what this coastal state is all about? Register for Apartment List and start exploring popular neighborhoods and apartment complexes today.

FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to Maine

What’s the weather like in Maine?

Maine's summers reach the 70s during summer and are cool and comfortable. Occasional, short-lived spikes in the heat are common but short-lived. The winter months are cold, with plenty of opportunities to ski and participate in winter sports. You’ll find colorful foliage and blooms in fall and spring, providing a gorgeous hiking backdrop.

What’s the timezone in Maine?

Maine’s time zone is Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (EST and/or EDT), depending on the time of year. It is also Greenwich Mean Time - 4 (GMT-4), the same time as New York City.

What to do in Maine?

Maine's forested, coastal beauty is among its best attractions. Visitors flock to Acadia National Park, Coast highway U.S. 1, Moxie Falls, Peaks Island, and Sebago Lake. There’s always a waterfall hike, brewery, or coastal views to embrace. Visitors and locals enjoy the Portland Head Light from the 1790s, the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

You’ll also find a handful of museums, breweries, dining, and music venues to enjoy. The iconic Allagash Brewery is located outside Portland's city center and attracts crowds looking for cold brews in the outdoor sunshine.

What are the benefits of moving to Maine?

Maine’s rocky coastline, outdoor recreation, and annual festivals make it a desirable place for newcomers. You can find a little of everything, whether you want to live in the urban center of Portland or a more rural setting like Auburn.

What are the pros and cons of living in Maine?

The pros of living in Maine include its low cost of living, food scene, arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. Of course, there are cons, including long winters and less to do than its neighboring New England neighbors, like New York.

What are the best cities to move to in Maine?

Some of the best cities to move to in Maine include Portland, Bangor, and South Portland. You’ll have a mix of city living with access to trails, snow sports, breweries, and more.

What’s it like living in Maine?

Maine's affordable cost of living and stunning outdoors make it a desirable place to live, work, and play. Locals have their choice of breweries, trails, waterfront fun, and higher education institutions.

You won't find as much to do in Maine as in neighboring areas like Boston or New York City, but Maine's scenic landscape and iconic lobster dishes might be worth the trade-off if you're interested in a laid-back lifestyle.

What jobs are popular in Maine?

Maine's economy focuses on hospitality, tourism, lumber, and more. Timber harvesting, manufacturing, animal veterinary software, and retailers like L.L. Bean are among the largest employers in Maine.

The unemployment rate in Maine is 5.4%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 6%. The future job growth over the next decade is predicted to hit 33.7%, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 33.5%.

What universities are in Maine?

Maine currently houses 29 accredited, degree-granting institutions of higher learning. The state also offers higher education opportunities to locals looking to grow competitive careers. Some of the most renowned institutions include The University in Maine, University of Southern Maine, and University of New England.

What are things to do in Maine?

Maine is full of outdoor fun, including coastal hikes and forested adventures. Acadia National Park lives up to its reputation and claims the title of the crown jewel of the North East. Beyond that, other popular destinations include Moxie Falls, Peaks Island, and Sebago Lake feature hiking, waterfalls, and quaint bed and breakfasts nearby.