Best California to Maine Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Maine and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,250 mile CA to ME move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 300 California to Maine moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $11,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Maine. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to Maine Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | SC Moving Services | 9.19 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 6 | Vacationland Moving | 9.03 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Maine
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,250 miles from California to Maine will cost on average $4,545 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to ME move is roughly $11,000. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Maine as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Maine movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,045 | 300 ft³ | 10.15 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,545 | 450 ft³ | 10.10 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,538 | 750 ft³ | 10.05 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $11,000 | 1100 ft³ | 10.00 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,920 | 1600 ft³ | 9.95 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $17,820 | 1800 ft³ | 9.90 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Maine to California guide.
Popular California to Maine Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best CA to ME Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
SC Moving Services
25 Augusta St
South Portland, ME, 04106
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2324405 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2016) |
Vacationland Moving
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Moving1484 Maine St Apt 1
Poland, ME, 04274
About Vacationland Moving
Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest moving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3540196 / 1181718 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2024) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Maine
Moving states is a significant decision influenced by various factors. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of relocating from California to Maine, mapping out the potential benefits and drawbacks. By contrasting the highs and lows, these charts serve to illuminate the multifaceted nature of such a transition.
California- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Wildfire risks
- Urban crowding
Maine- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- Cleaner air
- More open space
Maine- Colder climate
- Less urban
- Less diversity
- Fewer tech jobs
California- Warm beaches
- Vibrant cities
- Diverse culture
- Tech job hub
When considering a move from California's bustling urban life with its numerous beaches such as Venice Beach and tech hubs like Silicon Valley, to Maine's serene landscapes, it's essential to weigh these factors carefully. Maine's allure isn't just in its lower living costs or scenic beauty, including the remarkable Acadia National Park, but also in its less congested living spaces, offering a break from California's often crowded cities. However, it's also crucial to consider the change in climate, as Maine's colder weather and heavy snowfalls contrast sharply with California's sunny days. Moreover, the more laid-back lifestyle in Maine's charming towns and vibrant cities like Portland is a significant shift from the fast-paced lifestyle in California's urban centers.
California vs. Maine Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Maine, showcasing the distinctive food scenes of both states. Understanding the culinary differences is key to appreciating the unique cultural fabric of where you might be moving to, allowing for a smoother transition into your new local lifestyle.
| California | Maine | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Lobster Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip | Lobster Stew |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Italian Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Blueberry Smoothie |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In exploring California, you'll find the food scene incredibly diverse with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are known for their vibrant street food culture, offering a plethora of options from gourmet tacos to innovative vegan dishes like the immensely popular avocado toast. The health and fitness culture in California highly influence its cuisine, making it easy to find health-conscious and vegan options. On the other hand, Maine's culinary landscape is deeply rooted in its access to fresh seafood, with lobster playing a starring role in both casual and fine dining. Iconic spots like Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland offer a modern twist on classic New England seafood, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast, emphasizing the local flavors and traditional dishes that define Maine's food scene.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Maine Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how the two states compare can help you make an informed decision. In this comparison, we'll explore the housing costs, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle in California vs. Maine, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.
| Comparison | California | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Mediterranean | Colonial, Cape Cod |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Outdoor living spaces, accessibility | Privacy, proximity to nature |
Home prices and living costs are significantly higher in California compared to Maine, reflecting the desirability of locations and the higher living standards. California's architecture often includes modern and Mediterranean styles, catering to its warmer climate and urban lifestyle. In contrast, Maine's homes reflect its colonial history and proximity to nature, with styles like Colonial and Cape Cod being prevalent. The emphasis on outdoor living spaces in California contrasts with Maine's value on privacy and nature, showcasing the different lifestyles each state offers. Walkability and bikeability are generally higher in California's urban areas, though Maine's smaller towns and rural settings offer a unique charm not found in busier locales.
California vs. Maine Weather Considerations
Understanding how the weather compares between California and Maine is essential when planning your move. This comparison will help you prepare for significant changes in climate, ensuring you know what to expect in your new home state.
California
Maine
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Maine
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Maine
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Maine
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies; often moderate | Generally good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Blizzards, Nor'easters |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from California to Maine, you'll experience a significant shift, especially in winter temperatures and snowfall. While California enjoys mild winters with minimal snow, Maine's winters are harsh, with heavy snowfall that affects travel and day-to-day life. Summers are pleasantly warm in both states, but Maine's high humidity levels during summer months can make the air feel stickier compared to California's generally dry heat. Planning for these changes can help you transition smoothly to Maine's distinct four-season climate.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Maine
When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to consider financial aspects that may affect your daily life. This comparison aims to enlighten you on how your expenses and income prospects could change. Emphasizing the need to understand the cost of living, tax implications, and income variations between California and Maine, this guide serves as an essential tool in financial planning for your relocation.
| Comparison | California | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $69,543 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 116.5 |
| State Income Tax | 1% - 13.3% | 5.8% - 7.15% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73% | 1.36% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56% | 5.5% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture | Healthcare, Retail, Tourism |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | High | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Low |
Moving from California to Maine, you'll notice significant differences in economic factors that directly impact your pocket. For one, the average household income in California is considerably higher, which correlates with its higher cost of living and affluence level. Despite this, Maine offers a more balanced economic environment with lower living costs and taxes, making it easier on average incomes to afford a comfortable lifestyle. It's important to note that while California boasts a robust job market in technology and entertainment, Maine's leading industries such as healthcare and tourism offer unique employment opportunities. Additionally, the lower rates of poverty and homelessness in Maine reflect a contrasting social environment that could influence your experience in a new state.
California vs. Maine Political & Religious Comparison
In planning your move from California to Maine, it's essential to understand the communities you'll be joining. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between California & Maine, offering insight into the cultural and societal landscapes you'll encounter.
| California | Maine | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal-Democratic | Moderate with a blend of Democrats and Republicans |
| Local Politics | Progressive urban centers | Locally focused, community-based |
| Religion | Diverse religious landscape | Predominantly Christian, with historical Protestant roots |
While California is known for its progressive, liberal stance, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Maine presents a more moderate political scene that values local governance and community input highly. The religious landscape also shifts as you move from the diverse, sprawling metros of California to the more historically Protestant fabric of Maine. This doesn't just change the Sunday morning scene; it can subtly influence community events, local holidays, and even the agendas of local school boards. Understanding these differences will help you adapt to and appreciate the unique cultural nuances of your new home.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Maine
The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Maine. This will help you make a more informed decision regarding your child's education if you're considering a move from California to Maine.
| California | Maine |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordUniversity of Maine Bates College Bowdoin College | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Alternative (Redwood City) Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley) Yu Ming Charter (Oakland)Falmouth Elementary (Falmouth) Yarmouth Elementary (Yarmouth) Cape Elizabeth Schools (Cape Elizabeth) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla) The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Alice Fong Yu Alternative (San Francisco)Falmouth Middle School (Falmouth) Yarmouth Middle School (Yarmouth) Brunswick Jr High School (Brunswick) | |
Top 3 High School Schools California Academy of Mathematics & Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Whitney High (Cerritos)Greely High School (Cumberland) Cape Elizabeth High School (Cape Elizabeth) Falmouth High School (Falmouth) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles) The Thacher School (Ojai) Webb Schools (Claremont)Waynflete School (Portland) Berwick Academy (South Berwick) Hebron Academy (Hebron) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Harker School (San Jose) Crossroads School (Santa Monica) Polytechnic School (Pasadena)North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth) Waynflete School (Portland) John Bapst Memorial High School (Bangor) | |
Top 3 School Districts Palo Alto Unified San Marino Unified La Cañada UnifiedFalmouth School Department Cape Elizabeth School Department Yarmouth Schools | |
Moving from California to Maine, you'll notice a distinct difference in both educational options and the local community's focus on education. For instance, California offers some of the nation's most prestigious universities and highly competitive private and public schools, such as UCLA and The Harker School in San Jose. Maine, while smaller in population, boasts exceptional educational opportunities with close-knit community vibes, exemplified by schools like the Waynflete School in Portland and the University of Maine. The top schools in each state not only reflect the states' commitments to high-quality education but also offer unique opportunities, from Maine's strong local community connections to California's access to cutting-edge technology and diverse cultural experiences. This contrast provides a rich tapestry of educational settings, tailored to a wide array of student interests and needs.
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