Maine
Northeast · Capital: Augusta · Rocky shores, quiet forests, and the way life should be.
Population
1.4M
Median Home
$385K
Median Rent
$1,450/mo
Avg Salary
$58,000
Income Tax
7.15%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Maine
Maine is New England at its most rugged and serene — a place of rocky coastlines, dense north woods, and postcard fishing villages. Portland has blossomed into a nationally acclaimed food-and-arts city, drawing remote workers and creatives seeking beauty and a slower pace.
The state is the oldest in the nation by median age and winters are long and snowy, but its safety, natural splendor, and strong sense of community make it a beloved destination for retirees and those escaping bigger cities.
Region
Northeast
Capital
Augusta
Homeownership
72%
Unemployment
3.2%
Top cities
Portland
Population 68K
Acclaimed food scene and working waterfront.
Lewiston
Population 37K
Former mill city with a growing immigrant community.
Bangor
Population 31K
Gateway to the north woods and Acadia.
South Portland
Population 26K
Coastal commuter city with shopping and beaches.
Auburn
Population 24K
Twin city to Lewiston on the Androscoggin.
Augusta
Population 19K
Small riverside state capital.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Maine's overall cost index is 111 — a high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$385K
Median Rent
$1,450/mo
Property Tax
1.24%
Homeowners
72%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | High cost | $1,825/mo |
| Lewiston | Moderate cost | $1,450/mo |
| Bangor | Moderate cost | $1,450/mo |
| South Portland | High cost | $1,825/mo |
| Auburn | Moderate cost | $1,450/mo |
About 72% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 1.24% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Maine
Explore Maine vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- MaineHealth
- Bath Iron Works
- Hannaford
- L.L.Bean
Unemployment
3.2%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Maine public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Portland area schools, Lewiston area schools, Bangor area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Maine
- Bowdoin College
- Bates College
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- Maine Medical Center
- Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Portland. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
39/100
Transit
Car-dependent, with limited bus and the seasonal Amtrak Downeaster to Boston.
I-95 and I-90 connect the region's dense corridor of cities. Average one-way commute is about 23 minutes; walkability scores near 39/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Portland
Regional gateway
Bangor
International diversion airport
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid continental with warm summers and long, snowy, cold winters.
Taxes
State income tax
7.15%
State sales tax
5.5%
Property tax
1.24%
State income tax: 7.15%. Statewide sales tax is 5.5% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 1.24% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
30 days to register, immediately for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Not required
Typical license fee
$35–$90
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$175
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Growing
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $175. Startup resources include the Augusta Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Maine.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Portland and Lewiston. Rates track the state's high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Maine Lobster Festival
A Rockland tradition celebrating the state's signature catch.
Common Ground Country Fair
Beloved organic-farming and rural-living celebration.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Predominantly Catholic and mainline Protestant, with one of the most secular populations in the country.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Portland and Lewiston are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Lewiston and Portland host significant Somali and other African immigrant communities.
The honest take on Maine
Pros
- Stunning coast and outdoor recreation
- Very safe with a strong community feel
- Acclaimed food and arts in Portland
Cons
- Long, harsh winters
- Higher cost of living and income tax
- Aging population and thin job market
Create my move plan for Maine
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