I did the exact same thing during the pandemic and just moved back a few months ago, I'd have to really agree with what you said about the similarities between ME and VT. Maine definitely seems to have milder winters for sure and that depends on which part of Maine you live in. I have a reasonable job working for the state and it pays decently with full benefits, in Maine I had a job making close to $19 an hour with rent that was cheap around $750 a month, but on the other end of things food and gas was more expensive. You can say the same thing with Vermont when it comes to the cost of living it just depends on where you live within the state.