Hundreds of Thousands of Californians Are Moving Out, and These Are the States They’re Choosing
California has long been the land of dreams. For generations, Americans packed up their cars and headed west in search of sunshine, opportunity, and a fresh start. The state became the most populous in the nation, home to Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and some of the most famous beaches and national parks in the world.
But in recent years, the flow has been running the other way. More people move out of California to other states each year than leave any other state in the country. While the pace has slowed since the peak of the pandemic, the trend has not reversed, and the destinations Californians choose say a lot about what they are looking for.
The numbers come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, which tracks where people lived a year earlier. Here is how many Californians are leaving, the states they are choosing, and the reasons so many are saying goodbye to the Golden State.
How Many People Are Leaving
According to the 2024 American Community Survey, about 661,000 Californians moved to another state that year. That was the largest number of people leaving any state, ahead of Florida, Texas, and New York, which are also very large states.
Of course, people also move into California. When those arrivals are counted, the state still loses more residents to other states than it gains. Census Bureau population estimates showed California losing a net of roughly 229,000 residents to other states between July 2024 and July 2025.
California’s overall population has not collapsed, because international immigration and births help balance out the losses. But the steady departure of residents to other states has become one of the defining trends of the decade.
Texas Is the Top Destination
Texas remains the most popular destination for Californians who move out of state. The 2024 survey estimated that about 77,000 Californians moved to Texas that year, the single largest state-to-state flow in the entire country, according to USAFacts.
Cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have drawn Californians with lower home prices, no state income tax, and growing job markets. Many tech companies have also expanded or relocated to Texas, bringing workers with them.
The move is not always easy. Many Californians are surprised by Texas summers, property taxes, and the different political climate. But for many families, the lower cost of living outweighs the challenges.
Nevada and Arizona Are Close Behind
Nevada and Arizona were the next most popular destinations, each receiving an estimated 52,000 to 53,000 Californians in 2024. Both states are close to California, making them an easy move for people who want to stay near family and friends.
Las Vegas, Reno, Phoenix, and Tucson have all attracted Californians looking for lower housing costs and warm weather. Nevada has no state income tax, which makes it especially appealing to retirees and high earners.
When the numbers are compared with each state’s population, Nevada stands out even more. A UC Berkeley California Policy Lab study found that Nevada receives more Californians per resident than any other state. The UC Berkeley report pointed to California’s high cost of living as a major factor holding back population growth.
Washington and Florida Round Out the Top Five
Washington was the fourth most popular destination, with about 44,000 Californians moving there in 2024. Seattle, Spokane, and other cities have attracted tech workers and families looking for a change, along with the state’s lack of an income tax.
Florida ranked fifth, with about 36,000 Californians relocating. Florida’s warm weather, beaches, and lack of a state income tax make it a popular choice, especially for retirees.
Other states that draw large numbers of Californians include Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah. Each offers a mix of lower costs, outdoor living, and smaller communities.
Why Californians Are Leaving
The biggest reason Californians give for leaving is the cost of living, especially housing. Home prices in many parts of California are among the highest in the nation, and rents have soared. Many middle-class families feel priced out of the state where they grew up.
Taxes are another factor. California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country, and gas prices are often well above the national average. Many people who move to Texas, Nevada, Washington, or Florida are drawn by the lack of a state income tax.
Other reasons include traffic, crime concerns, wildfires, and a desire for more space. Remote work has also made it easier for people to keep their jobs while moving to cheaper areas. Rising food costs add to the strain, and many families say their grocery bills still feel high even as inflation cools.
Retirees Are Part of the Trend
Many of the people leaving California are retirees and boomers. After decades of working in the state, they sell their homes, often for a large profit, and move somewhere cheaper. The money from the sale can stretch much further in Arizona, Nevada, or Texas.
Some retirees move to be closer to their children and grandchildren, who may have already left the state. Others want a quieter life in a smaller town. Many say the move allows them to retire more comfortably.
For older adults on fixed incomes, the cost of living in California can be especially hard. Lower housing costs and taxes elsewhere can make a big difference. Still, there are plenty of things nobody tells you about early retirement, and a cross-country move adds a few more.
Not Everyone Is Leaving
Despite the outflow, California remains the most populous state in the country, with nearly 40 million residents. Many people continue to move there for jobs, education, and lifestyle. The state’s economy is one of the largest in the world.
Some people who leave California later return, missing the weather, the culture, or family and friends. Others find that their new home is not as different as they expected.
The Bottom Line
Californians are leaving in large numbers, and Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Florida are the top destinations. The high cost of living, especially housing, is the biggest reason. But each mover has their own story, and many still have a soft spot for the Golden State.
Have you or someone you know moved out of California, and where did you go? Many readers say they miss the weather but not the price of a house.
