Maine
High tax burden · COL index 107
Wins 6 categories
Montana
Low tax burden · COL index 104
Wins 7 categories
Maine's top income tax rate is 7.15% vs Montana's 5.9%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: Maine averages 1.04% annually vs Montana's 0.58%. The median home in Montana costs $450K vs $360K in Maine. Politically, Montana voted Republican in 2024 (R+13.0) while Maine went Democratic (D+6.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
6
Maine
7
Montana
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Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
What is the downfall of living in Maine?
That said, Maine isn't for everyone. Winters are long and harsh, job opportunities can be limited outside of certain industries like healthcare, education, and tourism, and access to amenities may be sparse in rural areas.
Is Maine or Montana more expensive?
The average daily cost (per person) in Maine is $241, while the average daily cost in Montana is $153. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment.
Are more people moving to Maine or leaving?
Maine ranked highest in New England and seventh nationally in net migration last year. International migration slowed in Maine in 2025 and across much of the United States. But domestic migration made up for the decline, with about 7,400 people moving to Maine from other states last year.
Why are people moving from Montana?