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 295 California to Maine moving companies and more than 20,000 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.

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Best California to Maine Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
3Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHG
4Best California Movers9.539.73Authorized For HHG
5SC Moving Services9.219.35Active
6Vacationland Moving9.059.22Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$3,045300 ft³$10.15
1 Bedroom$4,545450 ft³$10.10
2 Bedrooms$7,538750 ft³$10.05
3 Bedrooms$11,0001100 ft³$10.00
4 Bedrooms$15,9201600 ft³$9.95
5+ Bedrooms$17,8201800 ft³$9.90
*Please note: These California to Maine moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Maine. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to ME mover.
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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 Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,498+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 2,643+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
SC Moving Services Logo

SC Moving Services

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 594+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2324405 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2016)
View Full Review
5
Vacationland Moving Logo

Vacationland Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.05/10
based on 255+ data points

1484 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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3540196 / 1181718

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2024)
View Full Review
6
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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

Planning a move from California to Maine involves evaluating the pros and cons of both states. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the positive and negative aspects of this relocation decision, giving you a balanced view to assist in making an informed choice.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Frequent wildfires
  • Drought conditions
Maine iconMaine
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Safer natural environment
  • Abundant water supply
Maine iconMaine
  • Fewer diverse restaurants
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer coastal options
California iconCalifornia
  • Abundant dining options
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant job market
  • Top-rated beaches

While California offers a wide array of culinary experiences spanning the global cuisine spectrum, in Maine, you might be exploring more local dining options with fewer international restaurants. Traffic congestion is a notorious issue in California, especially in areas like Los Angeles. In Maine, cities such as Portland offer a much calmer commuting experience. The high living costs associated with cities like San Francisco make living in Maine's towns like Bangor or Lewiston significantly more affordable. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park in Maine, which stand in contrast to California's frequent wildfire threats. On the downside, brace yourself for Maine's harsher winters as compared to California's mild climate.

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
  • The French Laundry
  • Animal
  • Lovers Seafood and Market
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.

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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.

California
Maine
Typical Architecture Style
Modern, Mediterranean
Colonial, Cape Cod
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
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
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Blizzards, Nor'easters
Air Quality
Varies; often moderate
Generally good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F/57°F
79°F/59°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

68°F/48°F
31°F/13°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

22
43
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

7
75


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.

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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.

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.

CaliforniaMaine

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford
University 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 Unified
Falmouth 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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