Mississippi Local Expert
Katherine Mines
“She’s a devoted Disney gal, happily enduring long lines, hot pavement, and goofy mouse ears.”
Read more about me
Moving from MS to Maine: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a crafted intro for the Mississippi to Maine guide: Swapping the Deep South for the far Northeast is one of the more dramatic relocations a person can make within the continental United States. Mississippi and Maine sit at near opposite ends of the country, and the contrast goes well beyond the miles between them. Humid summers and mild winters give way to crisp autumns and some of the most brutal cold snaps you will find east of the Rockies. The slower, community rooted pace of Mississippi life trades places with Maine's rugged independence and sparse population density. Our Snappy Scout team (Katherine & Greg) dug into the real costs, logistical hurdles, and lifestyle adjustments waiting for anyone bold enough to make this move, so you can walk into it with both eyes open before the first box gets packed.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
How Many Miles Behind the Wheel from Mississippi to ME?
Average distance
1,650miles
Typical route
I-95 N and I-85 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Jackson, MS → Portland, ME
~1650 miles
Gulfport, MS → Bangor, ME
~1750 miles
Biloxi, MS → Augusta, ME
~1700 miles
Hattiesburg, MS → Portland, ME
~1700 miles
Southaven, MS → Bangor, ME
~1600 miles
Should You Move From Mississippi to Maine Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Maine from Mississippi 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 Are Full-Service Movers to ME from Mississippi?
Moving 1,650 miles from Mississippi to Maine will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
4–11days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,270.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,080.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,460.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,410.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,120.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270.00 | 300 | $4.23 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080.00 | 750 | $4.11 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,460.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,410.00 | 1,600 | $4.01 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,120.00 | 1,800 | $3.96 |
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.
Could You See Yourself Thriving in ME?
Well, it depends. If you're a Minimalist, Craft Beer Fan, or Yoga Instructor, you'll thrive in your move to Maine. But if you're more of a Binge Shopper, Homesteader, or College Student, 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 Mississippi to Maine.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from MS to ME
Minimalism
Mississippi
5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Oxford micro lofts exist, but cluttered antique vibes dominate Mississippi charm.
Maine
Gaining
Small spaces, clean lines, Casco Bay horizon clears clutter.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Minimalists
PortlandBelfast
Mississippi
5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Craft Beer Culture
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Maine
9.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Lazy Magnolia, Southern Prohibition, and Chandeleur Island pints.
Maine
Gaining
Allagash tours, Bissell Brothers cans, hoppy heaven.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Craft Beer Fans
PortlandBiddeford
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Maine
9.5
/10
Yoga
Mississippi
5
/10
Maine
7
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Sunrise flows at Sardis Lake, Ocean Springs beach meditations.
Maine
Gaining
Sunrise flows at Portland Head Light, mellow harbors.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
PortlandCamden
Mississippi
5
/10
Maine
7
/10
Shopping
Mississippi
4.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Renaissance at Colony Park shines, but fewer mega luxury splurges statewide.
Maine
Gaining
Outlets scratch itch, limited luxury spree, thrifting bonanza
Recommended ME cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
Mississippi
4.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Homesteading
Mississippi
9.5
/10
Maine
8
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Acreage, chicken coops, Homochitto National Forest weekends.
Maine
Gaining
Organic gardening roots, cheap acreage, hearty winters build grit.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Homesteaders
UnityDover-Foxcroft
Mississippi
9.5
/10
Maine
8
/10
University Life
Mississippi
9
/10
Maine
8
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Ole Miss, Bulldogs, and Southern Miss tailgates rule.
Maine
Gaining
UMaine hockey, Bowdoin quads, Colby museum free, UNE health sciences campus
Recommended ME cities/areas for College Students
Mississippi
9
/10
Maine
8
/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 Mississippi and living in Maine
MississippiMaine
The Eating Culture: Mississippi vs ME
Eating Like a Local in Mississippi
When you're in Mississippi, it's essential that you "get in a pinch" and suck some guts out of a crawfish at least once. Wear a shirt you can get messy, and don't even think about donning one of those plastic bibs--the locals will definitely lose respect for you.
Katherine MinesMississippi 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 ME a Less Tax-Friendly State for Your Tax Wallet?
Mississippi
Maine
MississippivsMaine
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Mississippi
Flat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
VS
Maine
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesJackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Mississippi
Jackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
VS
Maine
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
The Real People, Politics, & Religion Breakdown: Mississippi vs ME
Mississippi
Maine
MississippivsMaine
People
PeopleIn no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Mississippi
In no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
VS
Maine
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Politics
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Mississippi
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
VS
Maine
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Religion
ReligionMostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Mississippi
Mostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
VS
Maine
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Leaving Mississippi Seasons Behind: What ME Climate Actually Feels Like
SUMMER
Mississippi
swamp sauna deluxe (Delta sizzles, Biloxi breathes through a wet towel)
Maine
beach day needs a hoodie (sea breeze chills the coast, inland towns flirt with ninety)
WINTER
Mississippi
light-medium jacket weather, long pants optional (Tupelo gets surprise ice, the Coast freaks out when temps dip below 60)
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 Mississippi, 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 toPortland
Bring your dog, your Subaru, your HOP hoodie and your Red Sox cap.
Moving toAugusta
Prep for Slanted Floors and Seven Bridges
Moving toBangor
Mortal Mortgages, Moose Eyes, Bunyan Selfies
