New Jersey Local Expert
Diane Briante
“I’ve been rooted in New Jersey since day one and have lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before…”
Read more about me
Moving to Maine from NJ: Is It the Right Move for You?
Swapping the dense suburbs and constant buzz of New Jersey for the quiet coastlines and pine forests of Maine is a trade that sounds idyllic on paper, but the reality of daily life in northern New England can catch even the most prepared movers off guard. New Jersey offers proximity to two major cities, a packed calendar of things to do, and the kind of infrastructure that makes convenience a given. Maine trades all of that for wide open space, a slower pace, and winters that demand genuine respect. Our Snappy Scout team (Diane & Greg) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should think through before loading up the first box.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Miles from NJ to ME
Average distance
350miles
Typical route
I-95 N and I-295 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Newark, NJ → Portland, ME
~350 miles
Trenton, NJ → Bangor, ME
~450 miles
Jersey City, NJ → Augusta, ME
~400 miles
Camden, NJ → Portland, ME
~350 miles
Atlantic City, NJ → Portland, ME
~400 miles
Should You Move From New Jersey to Maine Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Maine from New Jersey 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 Do Local Movers Quote from NJ to ME?
Moving 350 miles from New Jersey to Maine 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
$1,390.00
1 Bedroom
$2,060.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,390.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,910.00
4 Bedrooms
$7,070.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,860.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,390.00 | 300 | $4.63 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,060.00 | 450 | $4.58 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,390.00 | 750 | $4.52 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,910.00 | 1,100 | $4.46 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,070.00 | 1,600 | $4.42 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,860.00 | 1,800 | $4.37 |
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.
Will Your Personality Survive in ME?
Well, it depends. If you're a Retired Snowbird, Adventure Junkie, or DIYer, you'll thrive in your move to Maine. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Wall Street Exec, or Gamer, 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 New Jersey to Maine.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from NJ to ME
Adventure Activities
New Jersey
6
/10
Maine
9.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Appalachian Trail miles, Pine Barrens paddles, High Point views
Maine
Gaining
Acadia hikes and Katahdin summit awaits
Recommended ME cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
MillinocketBar Harbor
New Jersey
6
/10
Maine
9.5
/10
Snowbirds
New Jersey
5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Locals say the "Cape May bubble" keeps that area calm, but winters are colder than Boca Raton
Maine
Gaining
Blissful summers, then head south after Fryeburg Fair.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
KennebunkportCamden
New Jersey
5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
DIYers
New Jersey
6.5
/10
Maine
8
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Habitat ReStore hauls, Home Depot runs, Millburn Lumber fixes
Maine
Gaining
Mill loft rehabs, Marden's hauls, fixer-uppers with good bones everywhere.
Recommended ME cities/areas for DIYers
LewistonBiddeford
New Jersey
6.5
/10
Maine
8
/10
Beach Culture
New Jersey
9.5
/10
Maine
4
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Boardwalks, roller coasters, saltwater taffy, Stone Pony after-sun encores
Maine
Gaining
Old Orchard boardwalk fun, chilly water, narrow beaches at tide.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Beach Bums
Old Orchard BeachWells
New Jersey
9.5
/10
Maine
4
/10
Wall Street Life
New Jersey
6
/10
Maine
3
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
NJ Transit Midtown Direct, Summit clubs, financial district across Hudson
Maine
Gaining
Finance gigs exist, but Old Port lacks Manhattan velocity.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Wall Street Execs
New Jersey
6
/10
Maine
3
/10
Gaming
New Jersey
7.5
/10
Maine
6
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Prudential Center esports nights, Yestercades nostalgia, fast gigabit lofts
Maine
Gaining
Bangor Comic & Toy Con, Orono LANs, decent fiber.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Gamers
BangorOrono
New Jersey
7.5
/10
Maine
6
/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 New Jersey and living in Maine
New JerseyMaine
The Local Food Differences Between NJ and ME
Eating Like a Local in New Jersey
Every diner has something they're famous for. Order that. Don't order something too fancy. Avoid the red sauce unless you have inside information that it doesn't come from a can. Splurge on those amazing looking cakes or pies. And we judge diners by their fries. If their fries aren't good, we might not be back.
Diane BrianteNew Jersey 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 ExpertWhat the Move to ME from NJ Saves You for Your Tax Burden
New Jersey
Maine
New JerseyvsMaine
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
New Jersey
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
VS
Maine
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesNorth Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
New Jersey
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
VS
Maine
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Moving to ME from NJ: The Values, Beliefs, & Politics Change
New Jersey
Maine
New JerseyvsMaine
People
PeopleDirect, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
New Jersey
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
VS
Maine
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Politics
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
New Jersey
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
VS
Maine
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Religion
ReligionLargely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
New Jersey
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
VS
Maine
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
What Feels Different About the Weather When You Move to ME from NJ
SUMMER
New Jersey
boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
Maine
beach day needs a hoodie (sea breeze chills the coast, inland towns flirt with ninety)
WINTER
New Jersey
puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
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 New Jersey, 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
