Virginia Local Expert
Laura Gray
“I arrived in Virginia in 1988 with a teaching job, a love of sunshine, and zero idea I’d still be…”
Read more about me
Relocating from Virginia to Maine: Head-to-Head Breakdown
Swapping the Mid-Atlantic for New England means trading mild four-season weather for a climate that takes winter very seriously. Virginia and Maine share a certain historic charm and coastal character, but the two states differ quite a bit when it comes to cost of living, job markets, and the pace of everyday life. Virginians accustomed to sprawling suburbs, major metro convenience, and relatively temperate winters will find Maine a quieter, more rugged place to put down roots. Our Snappy Scout team (Laura & Greg) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should expect before packing the first box.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Moving Truck Route from VA to ME
Average distance
650miles
Typical route
I-95 N, I-495 N, I-295 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Richmond, VA → Portland, ME
~650 miles
Virginia Beach, VA → Portland, ME
~750 miles
Norfolk, VA → Bangor, ME
~800 miles
Alexandria, VA → Augusta, ME
~650 miles
Roanoke, VA → Portland, ME
~850 miles
Should You Move From Virginia to Maine Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Maine from Virginia 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.
What Will a VA to ME Cross-State Move Actually Cost You?
Moving 650 miles from Virginia 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
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,390.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,100.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,390.00 | 1,600 | $3.99 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,100.00 | 1,800 | $3.94 |
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.
How Will Your Current VA Lifestyle Translate in ME?
Well, it depends. If you're a Minimalist, Surfer Dude, or Craft Beer Fan, you'll thrive in your move to Maine. But if you're more of a Binge Shopper, Retired Military, or Yoga Instructor, 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 Virginia to Maine.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from VA to ME
Minimalism
Virginia
5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Urban convenience, but sprawl from Tysons to Short Pump.
Maine
Gaining
Small spaces, clean lines, Casco Bay horizon clears clutter.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Minimalists
PortlandBelfast
Virginia
5
/10
Maine
7.5
/10
Surfing
Virginia
3
/10
Maine
4.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Sandbridge sessions exist, but swells rarely scream Pipeline.
Maine
Gaining
Cold swells, short summers, but stoke at Higgins.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
Higgins BeachOgunquit
Virginia
3
/10
Maine
4.5
/10
Craft Beer Culture
Virginia
8.5
/10
Maine
9.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
The Veil haze, Hardywood barrels, Commonwealth pours.
Maine
Gaining
Allagash tours, Bissell Brothers cans, hoppy heaven.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Craft Beer Fans
PortlandBiddeford
Virginia
8.5
/10
Maine
9.5
/10
Shopping
Virginia
4.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Great malls, but wallet cries during NOVA traffic purgatory.
Maine
Gaining
Outlets scratch itch, limited luxury spree, thrifting bonanza
Recommended ME cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
Virginia
4.5
/10
Maine
2.5
/10
Military Culture
Virginia
7
/10
Maine
6
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Naval Station Norfolk, Oceana, Quantico clinics and community.
Maine
Gaining
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard nearby, Togus VA, welcoming towns.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Retired Militaries
Virginia
7
/10
Maine
6
/10
Yoga
Virginia
8
/10
Maine
7
/10
Virginia
Giving up
Sunrise ocean flows and RVA rooftop classes.
Maine
Gaining
Sunrise flows at Portland Head Light, mellow harbors.
Recommended ME cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
PortlandCamden
Virginia
8
/10
Maine
7
/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 Virginia and living in Maine
VirginiaMaine
How the Local Food Culture Compares Between VA and ME
Eating Like a Local in Virginia
What do locals actually order in the Hampton Roads area: White dip with their Mexican chips, She Crab Soup, and an Orange Crush, a one-of-a-kind kind of drink.
Laura GrayVirginia 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 ExpertHow Moving to ME from VA Reshapes Your Taxes
Virginia
Maine
VirginiavsMaine
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 2% to 5.75%, top rate over $17k income
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Virginia
Progressive 2% to 5.75%, top rate over $17k income
VS
Maine
Progressive 5.8% to 7.15% brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesHigher in Northern Virginia suburbs, lower in Shenandoah, Southside, Eastern Shore
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
Virginia
Higher in Northern Virginia suburbs, lower in Shenandoah, Southside, Eastern Shore
VS
Maine
Highest around Portland and coastal towns, lower in Aroostook, Piscataquis, interior
What Changes About Values, Beliefs, & Politics When You Move to ME from VA
Virginia
Maine
VirginiavsMaine
People
PeoplePolite, history obsessed, NOVA fast paced, coastal easygoing, mountain neighborly, military strong
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Virginia
Polite, history obsessed, NOVA fast paced, coastal easygoing, mountain neighborly, military strong
VS
Maine
Yankee reserved but welcoming, wicked helpful, blunt yet kind, tight community vibes, year round hardy
Politics
Purple statewide, NOVA, Richmond, Hampton Roads blue, Southwest, Shenandoah, Southside reliably red
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Virginia
Purple statewide, NOVA, Richmond, Hampton Roads blue, Southwest, Shenandoah, Southside reliably red
VS
Maine
Independent streak, split tickets, cities blue, rural red, first to adopt ranked choice
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, Baptist and Catholic strong, rising unaffiliated, notable Muslim and Hindu in NOVA
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
Virginia
Mostly Christian, Baptist and Catholic strong, rising unaffiliated, notable Muslim and Hindu in NOVA
VS
Maine
Mostly Christian, many unaffiliated, Catholic pockets in Portland and Lewiston, small Jewish and Muslim communities
What the Weather Feel Like in VA vs ME
SUMMER
Virginia
sweet tea sauna (Chesapeake breathes on you, Roanoke bakes by noon)
Maine
beach day needs a hoodie (sea breeze chills the coast, inland towns flirt with ninety)
WINTER
Virginia
coat roulette (Blue Ridge bites, Hampton Roads shrugs and rains)
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 Virginia, 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
