Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“She fosters dogs but answers to the two parakeets who clearly run her house.”
See full bio
Leaving Florida for Maine: The Ultimate Moving Guide
Swapping Florida's year-round sunshine and salt air for Maine's rugged coastline and snowy winters is a lifestyle change that catches plenty of transplants off guard. The two states sit at opposite ends of the East Coast in just about every way, from climate and culture to cost of living and pace of life. Florida spoils residents with endless warmth and no state income tax, while Maine offers four true seasons, tight-knit communities, and a quieter, slower rhythm that takes some genuine adjustment. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Greg) dug into the costs, logistics, and daily realities you need to understand before loading up that moving truck and heading north.
Who's Behind This Guide
The Route from FL to Maine
Average distance
1,450miles
Typical route
I-95 N, I-295 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → Portland, ME
~1500 miles
Orlando, FL → Portland, ME
~1350 miles
Jacksonville, FL → Bangor, ME
~1350 miles
Tampa, FL → Augusta, ME
~1400 miles
Tallahassee, FL → Portland, ME
~1300 miles
Should You Move From Florida to Maine Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Maine from Florida is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
The True Cost of a FL to Maine Move
Moving 1,450 miles from Florida to Maine will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,000.00
Expected Time
4–11days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,070.00
1 Bedroom
$1,580.00
2 Bedrooms
$2,600.00
3 Bedrooms
$3,760.00
4 Bedrooms
$5,390.00
5+ Bedrooms
$5,980.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070.00 | 300 | $3.57 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580.00 | 450 | $3.51 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,600.00 | 750 | $3.47 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,760.00 | 1,100 | $3.42 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,390.00 | 1,600 | $3.37 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $5,980.00 | 1,800 | $3.32 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
What Type of Person Thrives After Moving from FL to Maine?
Well, it depends. If you're a Hipster, Stay at Home Mom, or Homesteader, you'll thrive in your move to Maine. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Binge Shopper, or Retired Snowbird, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Florida to Maine.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to ME
Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
Maine
8.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Art murals pop, but ironic beards wilt in the humidity.
Maine
Gaining
Portland Flea For All, artists filling Biddeford mills.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Hipsters
Portland East BaysideBiddeford
Florida
5
/10
Maine
8.5
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Florida
4.5
/10
Maine
7
/10
Florida
Giving up
Great schools and sunshine, but theme park chaos looms close.
Maine
Gaining
Top schools, Sea Dogs nights, easy beach days.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
FalmouthYarmouthScarborough
Florida
4.5
/10
Maine
7
/10
Homesteading
Florida
6
/10
Maine
8
/10
Florida
Giving up
Growing mangoes beats corn, but hurricanes test your grit.
Maine
Gaining
Organic gardening roots, cheap acreage, hearty winters build grit.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Homesteaders
UnityDover-Foxcroft
Florida
6
/10
Maine
8
/10
Beach Culture
Florida
10
/10
Maine
4
/10
Florida
Giving up
Year-round surf, sand, and Margaritaville moods everywhere you go.
Maine
Gaining
Old Orchard boardwalk fun, chilly water, narrow beaches at tide.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Beach Bums
Old Orchard BeachWells
Florida
10
/10
Maine
4
/10
Shopping
Florida
6.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Outlet heaven, but your credit card might melt in the sun.
Maine
Gaining
Outlets scratch itch, limited luxury spree, thrifting bonanza
Recommended ME cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
Florida
6.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Snowbirds
Florida
9.5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Golf carts, palm trees, and perpetual sunshine never get old.
Maine
Gaining
Blissful summers, then head south after Fryeburg Fair.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
KennebunkportCamden
Florida
9.5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Maine?
The welcoming nature of the people in Maine. It doesn't matter who your father was, where you went to college, or what you did for work wherever it was you came from. You're here now. So look someone in the eye, smile, and say something friendly. Most people will respond in kind. After about 5 minutes of chatting, they'll treat you like an old friend. After 10, they'll offer you their truck when you need one. It really is OK if you come from Massachusetts. Just don't act like it.
– Greg Reid
Maine Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Florida and living in Maine
FloridaMaine
What No One Tells You About What's on the Menu in Maine When You're from FL
Eating Like a Local in Florida
This really varies by where in Florida you are. But, generally, Cuban and Latin-inspired food here is very popular, as well as what I refer to as "beach bar food:" coconut shrimp, grouper bites, crab cakes, gator bites, fish tacos, and of course, margaritas (especially spicy ones with a Tajin rim).
I don't think there are any unspoken rules here, per se, except that you always want to get the freshest fish available, such as mahi mahi or grouper, and skip the conventional white fish.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Maine
Forget your grinder, sub sandwich, or hoagie. This form of nourishment is called "an Italian." Hot or cold. Open-faced or closed. It's an Italian. Meatball sandwich? Meatball Italian. Veggie grinder? Veggie Italian. Italian sub? You guessed it: Italian Italian.
Greg ReidMaine Local ExpertIs Maine a Less Tax-Friendly State for Your Tax Return?
Florida
Maine
FloridavsMaine
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
Maine
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
Maine
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Moving to Maine from FL: The Values, Beliefs, & Politics Difference
Florida
Maine
FloridavsMaine
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
Maine
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
Maine
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
Maine
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Climate in FL vs Maine: A Local's No-Nonsense View
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
Maine
beach day needs a hoodie (sea breeze chills the coast, inland towns flirt with ninety)
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
Maine
nostril freezing theater (Aroostook goes full deep freeze, Portland stays slushy and stubborn)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Maine
Winter: Hiking with my dog over snow-covered trails, biting cold morning air
Spring: Watching the sun rise a little earlier each day, the sudden eruption of greenery in May
Summer: Outdoor concerts, Portland Hearts of Pine soccer matches, kids playing outside til dusk
Fall: Exploring Casco Bay Islands, sampling pumpkin-spiced brews
Greg ReidMaine Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Maine
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Florida, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Maine. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Maine local experts.
Moving toAugusta
Prep for Slanted Floors and Seven Bridges
Moving toBangor
Mortal Mortgages, Moose Eyes, Bunyan Selfies
Moving toLewiston
Bates Vibes, Forage Bagels, Nor'easter Grit
