Most Praise Maine as Place to Live but Many Find it Unaffordable, Prefer Lower Cost of Living & Taxes Elsewhere 7/27/2026

Authors

• 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.

Department

Pine Tree State Poll

Publication Date

7-27-2026

Recommended Citation

UNH Survey Center, "Most Praise Maine as Place to Live but Many Find it Unaffordable, Prefer Lower Cost of Living & Taxes Elsewhere 7/27/2026" (2026). All UNH Survey Center Polls. 984.
https://scholars.unh.edu/survey_center_polls/984