Hey just so you don’t get your hopes up, queer people still have it rough in many rural parts of Maine. Not trying to keep you out but just want you to have a realistic idea. Trans people in particular would not want to live in my town, for instance. It would be quite tough for them.

Portland and other bigger towns and cities are very accepting though.

Yeah, it's not the most accepting state you are looking for, it's urban vs rural. Every state has urban areas that are more accepting of queer people, and every rural area in the country is less accepting of that. Maine isn't by far the most accepting state as it is almost entirely rural.

Try networking online in the queer community in and around Portland, maybe someone can find you a roommate or offer good advice on what's like for them around here. I live south of Portland and for the most part tolerance is common, I relocated from Florida which oddly has a very large gay community which isn't tolerated. It's sad that people that are not Christian have such a hard time living happily. Good luck. If not Maine, Rhode island might be a place to look into as well

> Why is it that the states most accepting of queer people tend to be the most expensive, and the most affordable states tend to be hostile???

Because accepting states are more enjoyable places to live. Sadly, this is likely to get worse as the Christian cultists take stronger hold over many red state governments and pass laws that affect queer people, women, and minorities.... you're far from the only person in a state like that right now thinking "I need to get the fuck out of here."