Maine has plenty to love. Beautiful coastal towns, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures make everyday life interesting. You’ll also find jobs in healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
A peaceful neighborhood and a lovely home sound great, but moving to another state also means adjusting to new expenses, weather, and daily routines.
Maine deserves a place on your list when you’re deciding where to move in the USA. Just remember that life here feels quite different between busy coastal communities and quieter inland towns.
- Moving to Maine at a Glance
- Maine Relocation Quick Facts
- Pros and Cons of Living in Maine
- Maine Population and Migration Trends
- Best Places to Live in Maine
- Compare Maine's Major Cities
- Cost of Living in Maine
- Taxes and Insurance in Maine
- Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Maine?
- Crime and Safety in Maine
- Maine Weather and Climate
- Healthcare in Maine
- Schools and Colleges in Maine
- Transportation and Commuting in Maine
- Is Maine Right for Your Situation?
- How Much Does It Cost to Move to Maine?
- Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Maine
- FAQs
- Our Research and Data Process
Moving to Maine at a Glance
Is Maine a Good Place to Live?
Yes. Maine has peaceful communities, beautiful scenery, and jobs in healthcare, education, and tourism.
Is Moving to Maine Worth It?
Yes, if you prefer quieter living and outdoor activities. High home prices and winter expenses need planning.
Who Is Maine Best Suited For?
Families, retirees, remote workers, and people who enjoy nature and smaller towns.
Who Might Not Enjoy Living in Maine?
People who dislike snowy winters, need public transit, or prefer busy nightlife.
Maine Relocation Quick Facts
| Category | Maine Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Capital | Augusta |
| Largest Cities | Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Auburn, Sanford |
| Population | 1.41 million |
| Population Growth | +3.8% since 2020 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Climate Type | Humid Continental |
| Average Living Costs | $42,118/year (single adult, after taxes) |
| Home Prices | $412,002 (typical home value) |
| Average Rent | $1,734/month |
| Median Household Income | $95,150/year |
| State Income Tax | 5.8%–7.15% progressive |
| State Sales Tax | 5.5% |
| Property Tax | 0.98% effective rate |
Pros and Cons of Living in Maine
Pros
- Beautiful coastlines, lakes, and forests for outdoor activities.
- Healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing offer job opportunities.
- Quiet neighborhoods and small communities offer a slower pace of life.
- Beaches, hiking trails, skiing, and fishing offer year-round activities.
- Maine has no general state sales tax on most grocery staples.
- Colleges like the University of Maine offer education and research opportunities.
- Pleasant summers offer a break from extreme heat.
Cons
- Homes are expensive, especially in southern and coastal Maine.
- Smaller towns have fewer jobs and lower career growth.
- Long winters bring heavy snow, icy roads, and high heating bills.
- Most residents need a car for work and daily errands.
- State income taxes reach 7.15%, and property taxes add to housing costs.
- Rural residents often travel farther for specialist healthcare.
- Nor’easters, coastal flooding, and winter storms disrupt travel.
Maine Population and Migration Trends
Maine’s population has reached a record high, with new residents arriving from other states. Growth is strongest in several southern and central counties, while some northern communities have seen little growth or population losses.
How Many People Live in Maine?
Best Places to Live in Maine
Maine has plenty of places to call home, from lively coastal cities to peaceful small towns. Your best choice depends on available jobs, home prices, schools, and the lifestyle you enjoy.
Portland
Portland has good career opportunities in healthcare, finance, and tourism, plus restaurants and waterfront activities. Homes are expensive here.
South Portland
It’s a good place for shopping, beaches, and nearby jobs. The median household income is $86,838.
Brunswick
Brunswick offers a walkable downtown, college jobs, good healthcare, and quiet neighborhoods.
Bangor
You’ll find more reasonably priced homes than in Portland, along with hospitals, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Scarborough
Families enjoy good schools, beaches, and spacious homes. The median household income is $133,558.
Augusta
Maine’s capital offers steady government jobs, healthcare careers, and more affordable housing than many coastal towns.
Compare Maine's Major Cities
| City | Population | Growth | Monthly Living Cost | Median Home Price | Average Rent | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 69.9K | +2.2% | $3,733 | $599.2K | $2,408 | $70.02K |
| Lewiston | 38.9K | +4.7% | $3,377 | $335K | $1,525 | $62.64K |
| Bangor | 32.5K | +2.4% | $3,413 | $302.5K | $1,650 | $60.861K |
| South Portland | 27.0K | +1.9% | $3,733 | $550K | $2,604 | $70.02K |
| Auburn | 25.4K | +5.7% | $3,377 | $330.8K | $1,900 | $62.64K |
| Sanford | 22.7K | +3.2% | $3,688 | $415.2K | $1,640 | $70.02K |
| Biddeford | 22.4K | -0.7% | $3,688 | $532.5K | $2,070 | $70.02K |
| Augusta | 19.2K | +1.3% | $3,338 | $319.3K | $1,650 | $65.78K |
Cost of Living in Maine
Maine’s everyday prices are slightly below the U.S. average, but housing and winter heating still take a big part of your budget.
Housing Costs
Homes in Maine cost more than the national average, especially along the southern coast. Buyers also need to budget for heating, insurance, and winter home maintenance.
Housing is one of Maine’s biggest expenses.
Typical home values in Maine are 12.5% higher than the U.S. average, although regional housing rents are 21.1% lower according to the recent 2024 price index.
| Housing Expense | Latest Cost |
|---|---|
| Typical home value | $412,002 |
| Median sale price | $381,515 |
Everyday Monthly Costs
Maine vs. the U.S. Average
Taxes and Insurance in Maine
Maine has a 5.5% sales tax and no tax on basic groceries, but income and property taxes take a larger share of residents’ budgets.
| Expense | Current Rate or Cost |
|---|---|
| State income tax | 5.8%–7.15% |
| State sales tax | 5.5% |
| Average combined state + local sales tax | 5.5% |
| State grocery tax | 0% on qualifying groceries |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.98% |
| Homeowners insurance | $111.25/month |
| Flood insurance | $75.67/month |
Maine’s Overall Tax Burden Compared With Nearby States
Maine has one of the highest state and local tax burdens in the Northeast.
| State | Overall Tax Burden | Property | Income | Sales & Excise | Difference vs. Maine | Per $100K Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 10.01% | 3.95% | 2.71% | 3.35% | Baseline | Baseline |
| Vermont | 11.10% | 4.89% | 2.75% | 3.46% | +1.09 pts | +$1,090 |
| New Hampshire | 5.38% | 4.33% | 0.13% | 0.91% | -4.63 pts | -$4,630 |
| Massachusetts | 8.82% | 3.33% | 3.45% | 2.04% | -1.19 pts | -$1,190 |
| Connecticut | 9.00% | 3.66% | 2.69% | 2.65% | -1.01 pts | -$1,010 |
| Rhode Island | 9.29% | 3.67% | 2.16% | 3.47% | -0.72 pts | -$720 |
| New York | 12.39% | 4.22% | 4.65% | 3.53% | +2.38 pts | +$2,380 |
How Expensive Is It to Live in Maine?
Maine is slightly cheaper than the national average overall, but housing and winter heating make it expensive for many residents.
| Household | Living Wage | Basic Monthly Budget | Required Annual Income Before Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One adult | $24.74/hour | $3,509.83 | $51,465 |
| A couple, both working | $16.84/hour each | $5,025.42 | $70,067 combined |
| A family of four | $30.16/hour each | $8,915.25 | $125,453 combined |
| A retiree | Not applicable | $3,221 | $38,652 |
| A student | Not applicable | $1,491.33 | $17,896 |
Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Maine?
Healthcare is one of Maine’s strongest job markets, with hospitals and care centers hiring nurses and medical staff.
Maine’s Top Career Fields
Top career hubs by pay. Average annual pay across all occupations, by metro.
| Career Field | Job Opportunities | Annual Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Registered nurses | $86,990 |
| Technology | Software developers | $123,120 |
| Business & Management | Operations managers | $98,860 |
| Transportation | Truck drivers | $57,050 |
| Education | Preschool teachers | $43,890 |
Which City Fits Your Career?
| City | When You Work In | Common Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Healthcare, technology, finance | Registered nurse, software developer, financial analyst |
| Bangor | Healthcare, education, retail | Medical technician, teacher, store manager |
| Bath | Shipbuilding, engineering, skilled trades | Welder, marine electrician, mechanical engineer |
| Augusta | State government, healthcare, administration | Government analyst, registered nurse, office manager |
| Lewiston | Healthcare, manufacturing, logistics | Nursing assistant, machine operator, warehouse supervisor |
Crime and Safety in Maine
Maine has some of the lowest crime rates in the country, making safety one of its biggest advantages. Still, crime varies by community, so it’s worth checking local figures before choosing a home.
Is Maine a Safe Place to Live?
Yes. Maine is one of the safest states in the U.S., with both violent and property crime well below national levels. In 2025, the state recorded 95.0 violent crimes and 961.7 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Maine Violent and Property Crime Trends
Crime has fallen in Maine since 2023, with fewer murders, burglaries, and other reported offenses.
| Crime Measure | 2025 Rate per 100K | Change From 2023 | Compared With U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 95.0 | -8.5% | Lower |
| Property crime | 961.7 | -14.8% | Lower |
| Overall crime | 1,056.7 | -14.3% | Lower |
| Murder | 1.5 | -66.1% | Lower |
| Robbery | 11.1 | -5.1% | Lower |
| Burglary | 79.7 | -28.7% | Lower |
Safest Cities and Communities in Maine
| Community | Violent Crime per 100K | Property Crime per 100K | Recent Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorham | 21.8 | 398.0 | Violent crime down 4.4% |
| York | 49.1 | 456.2 | Property crime down 21.4% |
| Kittery | 54.4 | 1,178.5 | Property crime down 1.2% |
| Falmouth | 61.5 | 592.1 | Property crime down 6.9% |
| Kennebunk | 66.4 | 631.2 | Property crime up 56.0% |
Road Safety and Traffic Fatalities
Maine recorded a slight drop in traffic deaths in 2025, but icy roads and winter storms remain major driving concerns.
Maine Weather and Climate
Maine has snowy winters, comfortable summers, and colorful fall days. The coast stays milder, while northern and inland areas face colder weather and heavier snowfall.
Cool & Rainy
Snow melts slowly, with rainy days, muddy roads, and occasional late snowstorms.
Warm & Pleasant
Daytime highs reach the 70s°F, with warmer afternoons inland and cooler coastal breezes.
Cool & Colorful
Crisp mornings, beautiful fall colors, and falling temperatures bring occasional early snow.
Cold & Snowy
Freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, icy roads, and powerful nor’easters.
What Else to Expect
| Weather Period | Typical Conditions | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Snow | Heaviest in northern Maine | 50–110+ inches annually |
| Rainfall & precipitation | Higher along the coast | 40–50 inches annually, including melted snow |
| Thunderstorms | Mainly summer | Lightning, heavy rain, strong winds |
| Nor’easters | Fall through spring | Heavy snow, wind, coastal flooding |
| Ice storms | Winter and early spring | Slippery roads and power outages |
| Flooding risk | Coastlines and river valleys | Storm surge, heavy rain, snowmelt |
Which Parts of Maine Face the Greatest Weather Risks?
- Northern Maine faces the coldest winters, deeper snow, and longer periods of icy roads.
- Western and mountainous Maine gets heavy snowfall, ice storms, and flooding during spring snowmelt.
- Coastal Maine faces strong nor’easters, storm surge, high tides, and coastal flooding.
- Central and southern inland Maine faces winter ice storms, heavy rain, and river flooding.
Healthcare in Maine
Maine has major hospitals across the state that provide advanced treatment and specialist care. Rural residents often travel farther for medical appointments, surgery, and maternity services.
Best Hospitals and Medical Centers
The latest 2026 CMS-based hospital quality comparison ranks these five Maine hospitals.
| Rank | Hospital | City | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center | Bangor | Heart care, trauma, and surgery |
| #2 | Central Maine Medical Center | Lewiston | Heart care and surgical services |
| #3 | St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center | Lewiston | Emergency and general medical care |
| #4 | MaineHealth Maine Medical Center | Portland | Cancer, heart, and advanced specialty care |
| #5 | MaineGeneral Medical Center | Augusta | Cancer treatment and surgery |
Rural Healthcare Availability
Maine has a small range of hospitals serving rural communities.
| Rural Healthcare Measure | Latest Published Figure |
|---|---|
| Maine counties with at least one hospital | 15 of 16 statewide |
| Rural hospitals offering labor and delivery services | 16 of 25 |
| Average distance to a birthing hospital in fully rural counties | 27 miles |
| Hospital beds per 10,000 residents | 23.23 statewide |
| Dentists per 10,000 residents | Fully rural: 4.29 / Partially rural: 6.59 |
Schools and Colleges in Maine
Maine’s high school graduation rate reached 89% in 2025, showing improvement. However, nearly 1 in 4 students still miss too many school days.
Best-Rated School Districts
These five districts hold the top spots in Niche’s latest 2027 Maine school district rankings.
| Rank | District | Niche Grade | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cape Elizabeth Public Schools | A | 1,499 |
| #2 | Regional School Unit No. 26 (Orono) | A | 827 |
| #3 | Yarmouth Schools | A− | 1,655 |
| #4 | Falmouth Public Schools | A− | 1,979 |
| #5 | Regional School Unit No. 51 (Cumberland) | A− | 2,236 |
Maine Colleges and Universities
Maine has public universities, community colleges, and private institutions. Students can study engineering, nursing, marine science, business, and practical career training.
| University | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maine | Orono | Engineering, forestry, research |
| University of Southern Maine | Portland & Gorham | Nursing, business, education |
| Maine Maritime Academy | Castine | Marine engineering, transportation |
| Bowdoin College | Brunswick | Liberal arts, sciences, research |
| University of New England | Biddeford & Portland | Healthcare, marine science, pharmacy |
Transportation and Commuting in Maine
Most people in Maine drive to work, shop, and go to other places. Highways connect the state, but public transportation is limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
| Transportation Area | Maine Data |
|---|---|
| Main interstates | I-95, I-195, I-295, I-395 |
| Public transportation | Greater Portland METRO, Citylink, Community Connector, BSOOB Transit |
| Walking and cycling | Easier in downtown areas, college towns, and coastal communities |
| Busiest airport | Portland International Jetport (PWM) |
| Level 2 charging ports | 1,246 |
| DC fast-charging ports | 429 |
Do You Need a Car in Maine?
Yes. A car is the easiest way to get around Maine, especially during snowy winters. Buses serve some larger communities, but rural areas have limited service, which makes daily travel harder without a vehicle.
Is Maine Right for Your Situation?
Moving to Maine With a Family
Yes. Maine has quiet neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and well-rated schools. Compare home prices and winter heating costs before choosing an area.
Moving to Maine as a Young Professional
Yes, especially in healthcare, technology, and finance. Portland has more career and social opportunities, while smaller cities offer lower housing costs.
Moving to Maine as a Single Person
Yes, if you enjoy nature and a slower pace of life. Hiking, skiing, beaches, and local events keep weekends interesting, though rural areas have fewer places to socialize.
Moving to Maine for Retirement
Yes, with a suitable retirement budget. Maine offers peaceful communities and healthcare services, but you’ll need to plan for property taxes, heating bills, and long winters.
Moving to Maine for College
Yes. The University of Maine, USM, Bowdoin, and other colleges offer degree programs, campus jobs, and internships. Compare tuition and living expenses before enrolling.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Maine?
Moving to Maine from another state costs $1,550 to $8,860 for a 2–3-bedroom home with full-service movers, based on recent interstate moving estimates.
Estimated Moving Costs to Maine
- Nearby State $1,550–$4,410Massachusetts to Maine253 miles
- Mid-Distance Move $2,720–$5,840Florida to Maine1,588 miles
- Cross-Country Move $4,640–$8,860California to Maine3,247 miles
Moving Costs by Service Type
Your moving costs also depend on how much help you need. Full-service movers handle the work, while containers and rental trucks save money if you’re comfortable packing and loading yourself.
| Moving Service | Estimated Cost | What You’re Paying For | Detailed Cost Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | $1,550–$8,864 | Loading, transportation, and unloading | Full-Service Moving Costs |
| Moving Containers | $1,090–$6,062 | Container delivery and transport; you load it | Moving Container Costs |
| Rental Trucks | $340–$3,920 | Truck rental; fuel and driving are extra | Moving Truck Rental Costs |
| Labor-Only Movers | $628–$2,436 | Loading or unloading; no truck included | Labor-Only Moving Costs |
Moving Cost to Maine From Your State
Pick the state you’re moving from to see what a 2–3-bedroom move to Maine usually costs.
Note: These costs are estimates for moving a 2–3-bedroom home to Maine. Actual prices depend on your location, moving date, and services. Full-service, container, and truck rental costs are estimates, not final quotes. Labor-only rates are hourly for two movers and don’t include transportation.
See moving costs from all 47 states
| Moving Route | Distance (Miles) | Full-Service Movers | Moving Container | Truck Rental | Labor-Only (2 Movers/Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama to Maine | 1,400 | $4,277 | $2,669 | $1,402 | $157/hr |
| Arizona to Maine | 2,760 | $6,090 | $3,914 | $2,505 | $149.50/hr |
| Arkansas to Maine | 1,600 | $4,516 | $2,841 | $1,565 | $163.50/hr |
| California to Maine | 3,110 | $6,564 | $4,238 | $2,789 | $155.50/hr |
| Colorado to Maine | 2,150 | $5,262 | $3,350 | $2,011 | $163/hr |
| Connecticut to Maine | 290 | $3,012 | $1,616 | $513 | $157/hr |
| Delaware to Maine | 530 | $3,247 | $1,925 | $697 | $159/hr |
| Florida to Maine | 1,530 | $4,431 | $2,780 | $1,508 | $147/hr |
| Georgia to Maine | 1,250 | $4,100 | $2,541 | $1,281 | $148.50/hr |
| Idaho to Maine | 2,600 | $5,873 | $3,766 | $2,375 | $174/hr |
| Illinois to Maine | 1,130 | $3,958 | $2,438 | $1,183 | $163/hr |
| Indiana to Maine | 1,040 | $3,851 | $2,361 | $1,110 | $158/hr |
| Iowa to Maine | 1,380 | $4,254 | $2,652 | $1,386 | $176.50/hr |
| Kansas to Maine | 1,670 | $4,611 | $2,906 | $1,621 | $153.50/hr |
| Kentucky to Maine | 1,080 | $3,898 | $2,396 | $1,143 | $162.50/hr |
| Louisiana to Maine | 1,760 | $4,733 | $2,989 | $1,694 | $166.50/hr |
| Maryland to Maine | 590 | $3,318 | $1,976 | $745 | $158/hr |
| Massachusetts to Maine | 190 | $2,686 | $1,433 | $441 | $168/hr |
| Michigan to Maine | 850 | $3,626 | $2,199 | $956 | $155.50/hr |
| Minnesota to Maine | 1,360 | $4,230 | $2,635 | $1,370 | $171/hr |
| Mississippi to Maine | 1,560 | $4,467 | $2,806 | $1,532 | $165.50/hr |
| Missouri to Maine | 1,440 | $4,325 | $2,703 | $1,435 | $161.50/hr |
| Montana to Maine | 2,340 | $5,520 | $3,526 | $2,165 | $196.50/hr |
| Nebraska to Maine | 1,640 | $4,571 | $2,878 | $1,597 | $175/hr |
| Nevada to Maine | 2,870 | $6,239 | $4,016 | $2,594 | $149/hr |
| New Hampshire to Maine | 130 | $2,406 | $1,312 | $400 | $172.50/hr |
| New Jersey to Maine | 420 | $3,126 | $1,813 | $609 | $159.50/hr |
| New Mexico to Maine | 2,390 | $5,588 | $3,572 | $2,205 | $167.50/hr |
| New York to Maine | 360 | $3,073 | $1,722 | $565 | $166.50/hr |
| North Carolina to Maine | 930 | $3,721 | $2,267 | $1,021 | $156.50/hr |
| North Dakota to Maine | 1,680 | $4,625 | $2,915 | $1,630 | $200.50/hr |
| Ohio to Maine | 840 | $3,614 | $2,190 | $948 | $156/hr |
| Oklahoma to Maine | 1,810 | $4,801 | $3,035 | $1,735 | $148/hr |
| Oregon to Maine | 2,990 | $6,401 | $4,127 | $2,692 | $155.50/hr |
| Pennsylvania to Maine | 530 | $3,247 | $1,925 | $697 | $162.50/hr |
| Rhode Island to Maine | 230 | $2,873 | $1,514 | $469 | $169.50/hr |
| South Carolina to Maine | 1,080 | $3,898 | $2,396 | $1,143 | $151.50/hr |
| South Dakota to Maine | 1,680 | $4,625 | $2,915 | $1,630 | $183/hr |
| Tennessee to Maine | 1,230 | $4,076 | $2,524 | $1,265 | $154.50/hr |
| Texas to Maine | 2,050 | $5,127 | $3,257 | $1,930 | $146/hr |
| Utah to Maine | 2,510 | $5,750 | $3,683 | $2,302 | $163.50/hr |
| Vermont to Maine | 180 | $2,640 | $1,413 | $435 | $198.50/hr |
| Virginia to Maine | 710 | $3,460 | $2,079 | $843 | $159/hr |
| Washington to Maine | 2,880 | $6,252 | $4,025 | $2,602 | $165.50/hr |
| West Virginia to Maine | 790 | $3,555 | $2,148 | $908 | $179.50/hr |
| Wisconsin to Maine | 1,120 | $3,946 | $2,430 | $1,175 | $161/hr |
| Wyoming to Maine | 2,170 | $5,289 | $3,368 | $2,027 | $181.50/hr |
Get a Moving Estimate for Your New Home in Maine
Use our Moving Cost Calculator to enter your moving details and get a more specific estimate.
Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Maine
Several moving companies in Maine offer long-distance moving services, but not every company covers every interstate route. Check that your mover serves both your current address and your new home in Maine.
A low quote looks appealing, but the final bill matters more. Before booking, compare movers based on customer reviews, services, pricing, and delivery schedules. These details help you choose the right moving company without costly surprises.
Maine’s snowy winters, rural roads, and longer delivery routes to northern communities also deserve attention. Use a long-distance moving checklist to keep pickup dates, packing arrangements, and important documents organized.
The companies below are worth comparing for your move to Maine.
Top picks for you
View all ↗
Find Movers for Your Move to Maine From Another State
When Is the Best Time to Move to Maine?
The best time to move to Maine is usually late May to June or September to early October. The weather is milder, and roads are less likely to be affected by snow and ice. Once you choose a season, plan your moving timeline so you have enough time to prepare.
Best Day and Time for Moving
A weekday, especially Tuesday through Thursday, is a practical choice because movers may have more availability than on weekends.
FAQs
Our Research and Data Process
We created this guide to answer the common questions people have before moving to Maine. Most of the information comes from government agencies, official public records, and other primary sources. For information that changes more frequently, such as rent, home prices, insurance costs, and moving costs, we also use reliable first-party institutions and established market-data sources to provide the latest available information.
Data Sources Used
We prioritize primary and official sources whenever reliable data is available.
| Source Type | Approx. Share Used | Main Data Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government sources | 46% | Population, employment, income, economic conditions, crime, weather, natural hazards, transportation, migration, energy, and road safety |
| State and local government sources | 26% | Taxes, schools, licensing, transportation, healthcare, public safety, and state-specific regulations |
| First-party institutions and market sources | 18% | Housing, rent, insurance, hospitals, universities, utilities, and moving costs |
| Reputable secondary sources | 10% | Rankings, comparisons, and supporting market context |
- Our public data sources commonly include: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- For state-specific information, we use the Maine state agencies, county and city governments, public school systems, transportation authorities, public universities, and other official local institutions. Official state and local government websites can also be located through the USA.gov state and local government directory. USAGov
- For local public transportation data, we also use individual transit authorities and the Federal Transit Administration's National Transit Database, which provides profiles for reporting transit agencies across the country.
How Data Was Compared
We make comparisons using the same source, time period, geographic level, and measurement method whenever possible. When a useful figure is not published directly, we calculate it from the underlying data. For example:
- Population growth = percentage change between two comparable population estimates
- Cost difference = state or city value compared with the relevant U.S. benchmark
- Tax difference = percentage-point or percentage difference between locations
- Crime rate = reported offenses adjusted for population
- Employment change = change in employment between comparable reporting periods
- Monthly cost = annual cost divided by 12 when only an annual figure is published
How Cities and Communities Were Evaluated
We do not evaluate cities based on a single statistic. Instead, we consider several factors that matter when choosing where to live:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Jobs & income | 25% |
| Housing & living costs | 20% |
| Crime & safety | 20% |
| Schools & family needs | 15% |
| Healthcare | 10% |
| Transportation | 5% |
| Lifestyle & recreation | 5% |
How Local Experience Was Collected
We do not present invented firsthand experience as fact. Local context comes from official city and county governments, school districts, transportation agencies, hospitals, universities, economic-development organizations, public services, and resident-facing market data.
How Facts Were Checked
We check the latest available information before adding important statistics to a guide. For major topics such as population, employment, taxes, crime, education, transportation, weather, and public safety, we prioritize government agencies and other primary sources.
We also check repeated statistics throughout the guide so that the same metric uses the same value, year, definition, and source wherever it appears.
If two figures measure different things, such as median home value and typical home value, they are labeled separately rather than treated as the same statistic.
Data Limitations
Not every dataset updates at the same time. A 2026 article may still contain the latest official 2024 or 2025 data when that is the newest release available.
Market figures such as rent, home prices, insurance, and mover costs can also change faster than government statistics. These numbers should be treated as current benchmarks rather than guaranteed prices.
