Part of the Moving to Maine guide
From locals, not a chamber of commerce. Updated April 2026.
Short Answer
Moving to Maine from Massachusetts is one of the most common relocations in New England, and it usually works out. You'll pay roughly half the housing cost outside Greater Portland, give up some restaurant density and job-market depth, and gain a real four-season life with much shorter commutes. Maine doesn't tax Social Security (Massachusetts does), property taxes vary widely, and the climate is similar but slightly colder and snowier. The full Moving to Maine guide covers cost of living and best towns by region.
The most common ex-Mass move is Boston metro to Greater Portland or the midcoast. The most successful ex-Mass move is to Bangor, Waterville, or central Maine, where the salary arbitrage actually shows up.
For example
A common move: a Boston-area family selling a $700k 3-bedroom in Arlington buys a comparable home in Falmouth (Maine) for $550k, or in Brunswick for $450k, or in Waterville for $250k. The Boston commute is still possible from the first two by Amtrak Downeaster.
If you've spent time in northern Massachusetts (Newburyport, the North Shore, Cape Ann), you already understand the climate and the culture roughly. Maine winter is 5-15 degrees colder and gets noticeably more snow, especially inland. The bigger adjustment is usually the population density: even Greater Portland is sparse compared to suburban Boston. Restaurant density drops sharply outside Portland and a few coastal towns. You'll learn to plan ahead for things you used to do on impulse.
Greater Portland housing costs feel like outer-suburb Boston: median single-family homes $500k-$700k, rentals $1,800-$2,500+ for a 1-bedroom. Move 90 minutes inland to Bangor, Waterville, or Augusta and median home prices drop to $180k-$300k for the same kind of house. Property taxes vary widely town to town (a $400k home might pay $5k in one Maine town and $9k in another). Heating costs are higher than Massachusetts: budget $2,500-$5,000 per year. Most other costs (groceries, gas, utilities) track close to Massachusetts.
Want a town that fits your situation?
Find your best-fit town →Income tax: Maine has a graduated 5.8-7.15% rate; Massachusetts has a flat 5% (with a 4% surtax above $1M). Most middle-income earners pay slightly more in Maine, high earners slightly less. Sales tax: Maine 5.5%, Massachusetts 6.25%. Social Security: Maine doesn't tax it, Massachusetts does. Estate tax: Maine has one above $7M, Massachusetts has one above $2M. Net result for most ex-Mass households: taxes are similar to slightly better, especially if retired or high-income.
Yes, from southern Maine, with caveats. The Downeaster (Amtrak) runs from Brunswick, Freeport, Portland, and Wells to Boston North Station 5 times a day, with the Portland-to-Boston run taking about 2 hours 25 minutes. By car, Portland to Boston is 110 miles and 1 hour 50 minutes without traffic, which becomes 2.5-3 hours in Boston rush hour. Most southern-Maine residents who commute to Boston do it 1-3 days a week, not daily. Towns: Wells, Kennebunk, and Saco/Biddeford are the practical commuter towns. South Berwick and Eliot work for Portsmouth-area Massachusetts jobs.
Portland for ex-Boston city people who want walkability, food, and the strongest Maine job market. Brunswick or Freeport for the midcoast charm with Amtrak access to Boston. Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, or Scarborough for the suburban-Portland sweet spot with top schools. Camden or Belfast for postcard coastal living. Bangor or Waterville for genuine cost-of-living arbitrage if you can work remotely. Wells or Kennebunk if you need to commute to Boston regularly.
Yes, if
You're tired of the Boston-area cost of living and you can either work remotely, find a Maine job, or accept a 2+ hour Boston commute 1-3 days a week. You want a real four-season life and you've spent enough time in northern Mass or NH to know what winter looks like.
No, if
You can't tolerate the population-density drop. You need a deep restaurant scene every weekend. You're moving to escape the Boston housing market but won't go further than Greater Portland (where you'll find a similar housing market).
Best for ex-Boston city people who want a real city + ocean access
Best cost arbitrage from Mass; remote workers can buy a home outright
Best small city with revival momentum and central Maine access
Best for premium coastal living (expensive even by Mass standards)
Best for stable government jobs at much lower housing costs
Yes, almost everywhere outside Greater Portland. Median home prices in Bangor, Waterville, and Augusta are roughly half what they are in suburban Boston. Income and sales taxes are similar.
Yes, very common. Many people commute by Amtrak Downeaster from Portland or Brunswick 1-3 days a week. Remote-only Mass employers usually don't care where you live as long as you're available during core hours.
The South Coast (Wells, Kennebunk, Biddeford), Greater Portland, Brunswick/Freeport, and the midcoast. The pattern: people moving for cost first land further north or inland; people moving for lifestyle stay south of Portland.
Yes, especially Portland to Boston. The 2 hour 25 minute trip beats driving in Boston traffic, and most cars have power outlets. Round-trip fares run $35-$60. Most regular Downeaster commuters go 1-3 days a week, not 5.
Get the free Maine moving checklist, or jump into one of our deep town guides.