Most Praise Maine as Place to Live but Many Find it Unaffordable, Prefer Lower Cost of Living & Taxes Elsewhere

Most Praise Maine as Place to Live but Many Find it Unaffordable, Prefer Lower Cost of Living & Taxes Elsewhere
July 27, 2026
Author
UNH Survey Center

Abstract

Nearly three-quarters of Maine residents rate the state as a very good or good place to live with Republicans and Northern Mainers more downbeat. Only a quarter of Mainers describe the state as affordable. Three in ten say they are likely to move out of Maine within the next five years, including half of Republicans, with lower housing costs, cost of living, and taxes frequently sought after, along with a different political or social environment. If they were to leave the state, Mainers are most likely to say they would move to New Hampshire or Massachusetts.

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Published
July 27, 2026
Author
UNH Survey Center
Topics