Nicknamed ‘Old Line State’, Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Known for its distinct nationalistic element, Maryland is the state which witnessed the birth of the American national anthem and was home to many of America’s indigenous tribes. The state is favored for its strong sports history and cultural backdrop.
Maine on the other hand is located in the New England region of the United States, is known for its jagged Atlantic coastline and abundance of lobsters and fresh seafood. Its affordable housing rate and high emphasis on public health and safety make it a top state to consider moving to. Maine is a natural sanctuary with an abundance of beautiful lakes, broadleaf and mixed forests as well as the world-renowned Acadia National Park. The stunning natural scenery of Maine could be just the change you want to experience from Maryland. Before you make that huge decision of moving from Maryland to Maine, let’s run you with all the information you need to know.
Things To Know Before Moving From Maryland To Maine
1. Weather
Maryland, which has a humid subtropical climate, is known for its flat topography in the east and its harsh, humid summers. It also sees an average range of rainfall in the monsoons as well as snowfall during the winter seasons of October, November, December, and January.
Maine weather, however, is somewhat slightly more extreme. The summers can get quite hot and humid with temperatures rising up to 90 °F but the winters often witness incessant snowfall and sudden dips in temperature. While Maine winters might surprise you with a record low of -50 °F some days, the season that the region is truly known for is autumn, as the trees put on a spectacular show turning all shades of red, orange, and yellow. Autumn in Maine is a sight to behold and could probably be the reason you fall more in love with the idea of moving to Maine.
2. Population Profile
Both Maryland and Maine have witnessed a sudden hike in the population trends in the past couple of years. However, Maine has a significantly lesser population rate than Maryland and can prove to be a great place to shift to, if you’re looking for a quieter, less populated reserve. Maryland’s population today stands at 6,065,436 and is regarded as a densely populated state with Montgomery County taking the cake as the most populated county. Out of this, the majority population is, of course, White at 55.54%, followed by 29.89% Black or African Americans, 6.38% Asians, 0.28% Native Americans, and 0.05% of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders.
Maine’s current population is at a mere 1,354,522, with a whopping majority of 94.31% of White people, 1.38% Black or African population, 1.13% Asians, 0.65% Native Americans, and 0.03% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. It is important to note that these statistics generally denote Maryland as more racially diverse than the state of Maine, owing to its area, population density, and opportunities.
3. Language And Culture
Even though Maine is dominated by English speakers, 5.28% of Maine households are said to converse primarily in French, which makes them a linguistic minority. However, the distinct New English dialect of Maine which regards friends as ‘bub’ or ‘yessah’ as an affirmation, makes the language memorable and endearing. If a Mainer describes you as ‘of the finest kind’, then rest assured, they like you!
Maine also has smaller clusters of German, Spanish, and Chinese-speaking households scattered across the state.
The state’s regional history is one of America’s oldest and richest, with folk traditions that last as long as centuries ago beginning from the residence of Algonquian-speaking tribes. Therefore, it is no surprise that the state is dotted with several memorable museums that take a deep dive into their cultural significance; Abbe Museum, Hudson Museum, Passamaquoddy Tribal Museum, Penobscot Nation Museum, etc.
Their pride in their Native American roots is also displayed in several festivals like the Native American Festival and the Acadian Festival, which takes place within the state. Maine also has the Freedom Trail and the Maine Jewish Museum, paying tribute to the African-American contribution during the anti-slave movement and the Jewish communities respectively. Maine’s vacation culture is so highly regarded that it is dubbed ‘Vacationland’ as it attracts large throngs of tourists from across the country and the world to savor their breathtaking autumn falls and summer seasons.
Being off the Atlantic coastline, Maine is known for its crab and lobster delicacies. In fact, lobster rolls are an indispensable part of Maine cuisine. Other dishes that are regional specialties of ‘America in Miniature’ are Ployes (buckwheat pancakes), Chowder (a creamy seafood broth with potatoes), New England Clambakes, and Crab Cakes. The official dessert of the state is Blueberry Pie!
4. Economy And Employment Opportunities
While the Maryland economy brings to mind the high glass buildings signifying finance, insurance, and real estate, Maine’s economy fundamentally depends on agriculture, commercial fishing industries, healthcare, retail services as well as professional, scientific, and technical services. If you’re looking for employment opportunities in the aforementioned fields, then Maine is a great option for you.
In agriculture, Maine leads the production of dairy, poultry, wild blueberries, maple syrup, and maple sugar. Maine also produces paper, wood, lumber, textiles, biotechnology, and leather goods. As of 2021, Maine’s unemployment rate remains at 4.7%.
5. Purchasing A House
Maryland is the sixth-most expensive state to live in, in the United States of America. It costs nearly $5,000 above the national average to live in Maryland today. However, Maine is significantly cheaper to reside in, so a shift from Maryland to Maine would prove to be a fiscal blessing for your yearly budget!
The average median home value to buy a house in the state of Maryland is $380,431. However, the same for a house in Maine is around $297,300. The connectivity and high standards of living that the former state offers are perhaps a reason for how expensive it can be.
6. Renting A House
Renting a house in Maryland is also no cheap affair! The typical median monthly rent for a standard apartment in Maryland is $1,917. However, an apartment of much the same size and standard would only cost you around $750 in rent in Maine, with a median rent of a one-bedroom house being not more than $2,950.
Kindly note that your rent/lease amount would also depend on several other factors like location, quality, proximity to the city, etc. There are areas in Maine where the rent rates could increase or decrease owing to a wide variety of fluctuating factors.
7. Utility Bills
The average monthly electricity bill in Maine would be around $99 per month, as compared to Maryland’s increased $125. The average monthly water bill in Maine is a mere $18, while it is a whopping $65 in Maryland. Average internet bills are $45 and $30 for Maine and Maryland respectively. The price of natural gas for Maryland rests at an average of $80 per month and for the Pine Tree State, $104.
You can see how, while in some services, Maryland is significantly more expensive than Maine, there are some others where Maine leads in terms of rates–like internet and natural gas.
8. Taxes
Maryland is known for its progressive income tax system, with personal tax rates beginning from 2% with a ceiling rate of 5.75% on incomes exceeding $250,000. However, the Old Line State residents enjoy the benefit of a relatively low rate of personal tax with an average of 5%. The sales tax, too, is 5.5% in Maine while it is 6% in Maryland, making the former slightly more tax-friendly than the latter–for shoppers and residents alike!
9. Education
The Maryland State Department of Education is said to be one that places an inordinate amount of urgency on building a strong network of public and private elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges and universities of high repute. The presence of historic institutions like the John Hopkins University, the University of Maryland (Baltimore and College Park), Towson University, Maryland Institute of Art, and the Morgan State University, among many others, stand testament to this unique educational tradition that the state believes in.
While it can’t quite compete with Maryland in this regard, Maine, too, is a center of high learning and advancement with over 30 acclaimed institutions for further education. The oldest and most reputed of them is the University of Maine. Other prominent institutions in the state include Bowdoin University, Bates College, Colby College, etc. The state also boasts of a set of vocational baccalaureate colleges like the Maine Maritime Academy, Unity College, and Thomas College. There is also the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and The University of Maine School of Law.
Therefore, regardless of your field of choice, a move to Maine would, in no way, hamper your educational pursuits as they offer plenty of varied opportunities in terms of higher education.
10. Crime Rates
Maryland, owing to its larger population and area, has a generally higher crime rate than Maine. Maryland has a violent crime rate of 3.92% and a property crime rate of 15.78% per thousand residents. However, Maine has a violent crime rate that is less than 1.08% and a property crime rate of around 11.46%. The ‘Free State’ is regarded as the safest in terms of violent crimes and the fourth lowest in terms of property crimes in the country.
11. Getting Around
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is the transport organization that you’ve got to be familiar with for commuting in Maryland. However, that will quickly change to you learning more about the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) in Maine. This is the cabinet-level body that governs the public transport system in the state. However, just a heads up that the means of public transportation can be few and far between. Therefore, the best and most convenient way to traverse the city is through a car of your own.
By Road:
The express bus services available in the city simplify short and long-distance travel within the state. Intercity buses also provide important local, national, and international transportation across the state of Maine. But, it would not do well to depend entirely on buses as the public transport infrastructure in Maine is limited. Having a car of your own is, as of now, the simplest way to travel through the state.
By Airways:
Maine has three international airports in three central locations in the state; Portland International Jetport (PWM), Bangor International Airport (BGL), and Presque Isle International Airport (PQI). There are also several civilian and domestic airports in Maine that you could opt for–like Knox County Regional Airport and Dexter Regional Airport – if you’re a domestic flier.
By Train:
Train services are also fairly limited. However, the AMTRAK Rail offers limited trains, but mostly only in the southernmost areas of Maine. The state also offers scenic one-day train rides–directed towards tourists for exploring the natural beauty of Maine.
By Ferries:
Maine State Ferry Service is responsible for the ferry services in the state. There are currently seven active ferries in Maine that you could board. However, the ferries are infrequent and the stations limited.
Also See: Moving to Maine
Popular Cities To Live In
1. South Portland
Located in Cumberland County, South Portland is known for its Portland Harbor and is the fourth-largest city in Maine. South Portland boasts of five reputed schools and a wide array of churches and centers of spirituality. The specialty of the city, however, lies in the high connectivity it has to the rest of the country with regard to road and water.
This contributes to its advancement as a hub for retail, manufacturing, and trade, promising high economic growth and employment to new residents. It is also home to the technological companies of ON Semiconductor and Texas Instruments. South Portland is known for being a safe city and has plenty of naturally aesthetic spots like the Greenbelt Walkway, Mill Creek Park, Wainwright Farms and so much more!
● Median home value: $394.900
● Average market rent: $1,712/month
● Average monthly net salary: $2,597 (After Taxes)
Also read: Moving to Portland Maine
2. Scarborough
Scarborough, located in the Cumberland County of Maine, is the most populous city in the state. It is a beautiful coastal city that is drained by four important rivers; the Scarborough, Nonesuch, Libby, and Spurwink River. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it a haven of spectacular beaches like Pine Point Beach, Higgins Beach, Ferry Beach, etc. So, if you’re a fan of unwinding and living by the waters, then this coastal city might be for you.
Its primary economic industries include seafood. It is also home to the headquarters of the famous Hannaford Supermarkets. It is one of the safest cities in Maine and has a set of high-caliber schools and educational institutions. The cost of living in Scarborough is 16% higher than the national average. However, an increased average monthly net income and the associated comforts make up for it.
● Median home value: $525,717
● Average market rent: $2,500/month
● Average monthly net salary: $3,355.75 (After Taxes)
3. Brunswick
Brunswick is a scenic city tucked in Cumberland County in Maine. It is known for its distinct artistic backdrop and emphasis on cultural diversity and resources. One of Maine’s most distinguished educational institutions, the Bowdoin College, lies in Brunswick. Home to a rich tradition of musical arts, this city regularly hosts the Bowdoin International Music Festival and houses the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, Spindlework Art Center, Brunswick Naval & Memorial Gardens, and the Maine State Music Theatre.
● Median home value: $319,431
● Average market rent: $2,500/month
● Average monthly net salary: $2,540.83 (After Taxes)
FAQs On Moving From Maryland To Maine
What Is The Average Cost Of Moving To Another State?
According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a long-distance move is $4,300, if you’re not covering a distance of more than 1,225 miles. However, it would be beneficial to note that moving on a weekday would cost you relatively less.
How Much Do Movers Cost In Maryland?
Local movers in Maryland would charge you an average of $300 to $1,500 to move, depending on the distance, volume, and nature of your goods.
What Are The Best Cities To Live In Maine?
The top five places to live in Maine, with regard to amenities, public health, safety services, interconnectivity, educational infrastructure are South Portland, Scarborough, Brunswick, the town of Cumberland, and Topsham.
Which Is Cheaper, Maryland Or Maine?
While living expenses differ significantly on the basis of region and geography, Maine is generally considered to be cheaper than Maryland. Maryland is one of the country’s most expensive states to live in. While Maine is cheaper in terms of water and electricity, Maryland is interestingly cheaper with regard to natural gas and internet expenses. The difference in expenses is primarily caused due to the huge discrepancy in the average median home cost in the two states, Maine being markedly cheaper.
