Moving to Maine: costs, checklist and what to know
Maine at a glance for movers: Northeast region · largest city Portland · capital Augusta · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Maine
- Income tax: Maine taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Maine Revenue Services for the current year.
- Sales tax: Maine's statewide sales tax rate is 5.5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Maine driver's license within 30 days, according to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from New York City to Portland (about 340 road miles) runs roughly $590–$1,160 with a rental truck or $1,940–$4,520 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Maine
- In "mud season" (roughly March and April), many rural dirt and gravel roads are soft and some are posted with weight limits for heavy trucks.
- Vehicle registration starts at your town office, which collects an excise tax, before the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Portland is the largest city; Augusta is the capital and Bangor serves much of the north.
Main cities and metros include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Augusta. Maine borders New Hampshire.
How much does it cost to move to Maine?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Portland, the largest city in Maine. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 340 | $590–$1,160 | $1,940–$4,520 |
| Los Angeles | 3,150 | $4,390–$8,270 | $6,440–$14,640 |
| Chicago | 1,070 | $1,640–$3,140 | $3,110–$7,150 |
| Dallas | 1,940 | $2,840–$5,380 | $4,500–$10,280 |
| Atlanta | 1,230 | $1,810–$3,440 | $3,370–$7,730 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Maine moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Maine
June through October. Winters are long and snowy, and early-spring roads can be posted against heavy trucks.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Maine new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Maine: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Maine?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 340 miles from New York City to Portland costs roughly $590–$1,160 if you rent a truck or $1,940–$4,520 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Maine have a state income tax?
Yes. Maine taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Maine Revenue Services for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Maine?
Maine's statewide sales tax rate is 5.5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Maine driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Maine?
June through October. Winters are long and snowy, and early-spring roads can be posted against heavy trucks.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Maine Revenue Services and the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.