Maine Local Expert
Greg Reid
“He gets hiccups if you touch his chin just right, and is convinced it’ll win a talent contest some day.”
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Moving to Massachusetts from ME: Which Type of Person Actually Thrives
New England loyalty runs deep, and trading Maine's rugged coastline for the buzz of Massachusetts might feel like a smaller leap than it actually is. These two states share a region, a general accent, and a love of seafood, but the differences in cost of living, population density, and daily pace catch plenty of movers off guard. Maine's quiet towns and wide open landscapes give way to Massachusetts' dense suburbs, crowded highways, and a cost of living that hits noticeably harder on the wallet. Our Snappy Scout team (Greg & Candice) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts worth knowing before you start loading the moving truck.
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Who's Behind This Guide
How Far Is It from ME to Massachusetts?
Average distance
200miles
Typical route
I-95 South and I-495 South
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Portland, ME → Boston, MA
~100 miles
Augusta, ME → Boston, MA
~150 miles
Bangor, ME → Boston, MA
~250 miles
Portland, ME → Worcester, MA
~150 miles
Lewiston, ME → Springfield, MA
~250 miles
Should You Move From Maine to Massachusetts Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Massachusetts from Maine 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.
How Much Is Moving from ME to Massachusetts Really Going to Cost?
Moving 200 miles from Maine to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$5,000.00
Expected Time
2–9days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,440.00
1 Bedroom
$2,140.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,540.00
3 Bedrooms
$5,140.00
4 Bedrooms
$7,390.00
5+ Bedrooms
$8,230.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,440.00 | 300 | $4.8 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,140.00 | 450 | $4.76 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,540.00 | 750 | $4.72 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,140.00 | 1,100 | $4.67 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,390.00 | 1,600 | $4.62 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,230.00 | 1,800 | $4.57 |
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.
That's the average.
What about your move?
Get a personalized estimate based on the details of your Maine → Massachusetts move.
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How Will Your Current ME Personality Work in Massachusetts?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, Wall Street Exec, or Gamer, you'll thrive in your move to Massachusetts. But if you're more of a Homesteader, DIYer, or Retired Military, 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 Maine to Massachusetts.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from ME to MA
Tech Scene
Maine
4
/10
Massachusetts
9
/10
Maine
Giving up
Remote friendly Portland startups, fewer unicorns than Kendall Square.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Kendall Square software and biotech startups. A bit of a 'bro' vibe. Becoming more inclusive though.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Tech Bros
CambridgeBoston
Maine
4
/10
Massachusetts
9
/10
Wall Street Life
Maine
3
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Maine
Giving up
Finance gigs exist, but Old Port lacks Manhattan velocity.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Financial District thrives, State Street and Fidelity reign.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Wall Street Execs
Maine
3
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Gaming
Maine
6
/10
Massachusetts
7.5
/10
Maine
Giving up
Bangor Comic & Toy Con, Orono LANs, decent fiber.
Massachusetts
Gaining
PAX East and strong esports community.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Gamers
BostonWorcester
Maine
6
/10
Massachusetts
7.5
/10
Homesteading
Maine
8
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
Maine
Giving up
Organic gardening roots, cheap acreage, hearty winters build grit.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Land available but pricey, regulations tighter than Vermont.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Homesteaders
BerkshiresFranklin County
Maine
8
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
DIYers
Maine
8
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Maine
Giving up
Mill loft rehabs, Marden's hauls, fixer-uppers with good bones everywhere.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Affordable fixers, creative warehouse spaces available.
Recommended MA cities/areas for DIYers
WorcesterLowell
Maine
8
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Military Culture
Maine
6
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
Maine
Giving up
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard nearby, Togus VA, welcoming towns.
Massachusetts
Gaining
VA services solid, but fewer bases than elsewhere.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Retired Militaries
SpringfieldBoston
Maine
6
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Massachusetts?
This is a tough one, but I have to fall back to the annual voyage to the Cape. This is a pretty standard trip for folks every summer. And no matter which route you choose, you'll be sure to sit in heavy traffic. But it's the quintessential road trip. Plenty of time to enjoy your best CDs and snacks along the way.
– Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Maine and living in Massachusetts
MaineMassachusetts
ME to Massachusetts: A Foodie's Guide to Local Food
Eating 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 ExpertEating Like a Local in Massachusetts
We have some really fabulous local ethnic restaurants. Any type of food you desire, you're sure to find it. From Cambodian, Ghanaian, to Brazilian, you'll find some excellent dishes to try. Grab a pupusa from a Salvadorean spot. It's cheap and delish!
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertMassachusetts looking like
the right move?
There’s one more number worth knowing: what it’ll cost to get there.
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The Real Tax Reality of Moving from ME to Massachusetts
Maine
Massachusetts
MainevsMassachusetts
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Maine
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
VS
Massachusetts
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Property Taxes
Property TaxesHighest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
Maine
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
VS
Massachusetts
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
From ME to Massachusetts: How Culture, Politics, & Faith Compare
Maine
Massachusetts
MainevsMassachusetts
People
PeopleYankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Maine
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
VS
Massachusetts
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Politics
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Maine
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
VS
Massachusetts
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
Maine
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
VS
Massachusetts
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
How Climate Change When You Move to Massachusetts from ME
SUMMER
Maine
beach day needs a hoodie (sea breeze chills the coast, inland towns flirt with ninety)
Massachusetts
sticky brick oven vibes (humid 90s along the coast)
WINTER
Maine
nostril freezing theater (Aroostook goes full deep freeze, Portland stays slushy and stubborn)
Massachusetts
layered like a human onion (single digits with windchill in January)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Massachusetts
Winter: If I had to find something positive to say about our winters, I'd say official Snow Days! Otherwise, it's pretty bleak. I guess it also looks pretty before the snow plows get dirty snow everywhere.
Spring: Winter's over! And we have GORGEOUS weather.
Summer: The fact that we have the Cape. Everyone travels there (unless they already live there) in the summer.
Fall: No brainer...the foliage. Even on your everyday commute in town, it's breathtaking to witness.
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local Expert✧ You've researched the move ✧
Now put a number
on it.
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Next Steps
Learn More About Moving to Massachusetts
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 Maine, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Massachusetts. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Massachusetts local experts.
Moving toBoston
Prep Your Wallet and Drop Your R's
