More People Are Moving Out of California Than in — 10 Places They’re Going

Autumn Fall Colors transforms landscape over Suburb modern housing development Birds Eye View stock photo
RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

California saw a major population shift between 2021 and 2022, according to a recent SmartAsset study. A little over 399,000 residents left the state, while almost 255,000 new residents arrived, resulting in a net loss of 143,554 households. 

High costs of living, taxes and competitive housing markets are some of the reasons behind this exodus. Here are the 10 states where Californians are choosing to move.

Texas

  • 54,136 households left California for Texas
  • 106,882 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $145,960

Texas is the most popular destination for Californians. Homes are cheaper in the Lone Star State than they are in California. Additionally, Texas has no state income tax.

Arizona

  • 32,864 households left California for Arizona
  • 57,857 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $100,399

Arizona offers a lower cost of living, including housing, which appeals to less-affluent Californians looking for a more affordable lifestyle.

Nevada

  • 30,571 households left California for Nevada
  • 52,332 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $134,796

Nevada is the third-most popular destination for people leaving California. Although Nevada is facing a lack of affordable housing, wealthier Californians probably won’t have an issue finding what they want. Additionally, the lack of state income tax is likely a major draw. 

Washington

  • 27,550 households left California for Washington
  • 44,160 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $139,927

For some Californians, Washington’s lack of state income tax and cheaper housing are two good reasons to leave even though the weather is cloudier in the Evergreen State.

Florida

  • 24,011 households left California for Florida
  • 42,412 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $187,025

Florida is a popular choice for wealthier Californians leaving the state. Although states have their similarities when it comes to weather, the price of housing is much cheaper in Florida and there’s no state income tax.

New York

  • 19,656 households left California for New York
  • 25,453 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $170,781

Migration between California and New York is almost balanced as far as the amount of individuals moving in and out: 19,708 versus 19,656. Additionally, it seems to be wealthier households making the move on both fronts. 

Oregon

  • 19,288 households left California for Oregon
  • 30,421 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $104,753

Most likely, Oregon’s proximity to California and relatively lower housing costs attract middle-income households seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

Colorado

  • 15,585 households left California for Colorado
  • 24,864 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $129,118

Colorado draws people from the Golden State who are looking for a lower cost of living with the added bonus of world-class winter sports.

Tennessee

  • 13,086 households left California for Tennessee
  • 27,295 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $144,543

Tennessee’s lower cost of living and lack of state income tax make it an attractive option for Californians looking to reduce their expenses.

North Carolina

  • 11,482 households left California for North Carolina
  • 21,983 individuals departed
  • Average AGI per household: $113,972

Californians are moving to North Carolina for its affordable housing and expanding job markets, particularly in higher-paying areas like tech, finance and healthcare.

BEFORE YOU GO

See Today's Best
Banking Offers

Looks like you're using an adblocker

Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates.

  • AdBlock / uBlock / Brave
    1. Click the ad blocker extension icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable on this site
    3. Refresh the page
  • Firefox / Edge / DuckDuckGo
    1. Click on the icon to the left of the address bar
    2. Disable Tracking Protection
    3. Refresh the page
  • Ghostery
    1. Click the blue ghost icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable Ad-Blocking, Anti-Tracking, and Never-Consent
    3. Refresh the page