States Where Californians Are Moving to the Most

1. Texas

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 105,434
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -69,342

Many California residents are fleeing the state for Texas — and they’re not the only ones. In fact, much of the country is packing up and heading to the Lone Star State for its lower cost of living and lack of income tax. Furthermore, Texas boasts a diverse culture, a thriving tech hub, and top colleges and universities. 

It’s also not a shock that Californians want to move to Texas, as the weather remains warm and fair throughout most of the year. It’d be a more drastic jump for many California residents to adjust from their climate to a more seasonal one with drastic changes. 

2. Arizona

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 63,097
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -37,825

Arizona is yet another popular destination for Californians. While California weather tends to have a milder climate, Arizona provides a more arid climate. Even so, the warmth — especially during long winter months — is typically an attractive perk to many individuals, which might contribute to the influx of new residents.

Additionally, Arizona has a ton of tax and affordability benefits. Many young professionals can benefit from the boost in job opportunities and a strong economy. Arizona also borders California, so moving one state over can feel less intimidating than moving, say, across the country to the East Coast. 

3. Nevada

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 54,740
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -30,386

Nevada is ranked number three on the list of states Californians moved to during the first year of the pandemic. Like most other states on this list, Nevada has a lower cost of living and more affordable housing than California. This, in addition to its many natural attractions, makes it an appealing option for those Californians looking for a new state to call home.

Specifically, many tech professionals have made the transition from Los Angeles to Los Vegas, which is yet another growing tech hub. Nevada (as well as Idaho) also had the highest proportion of incoming Californians (over 1.38%) to its 2021 population.

4. Washington 

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 46,677
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -18,762

Number four on the list is Washington, which is unsurprising due to its great job market and favorable taxes. Seattle in particular is a popular hub for tech giants and major corporations, and there are countless career opportunities across various industries. In other words, you can earn a competitive salary while paying much lower rent and other living costs than you would in California.

Washington also offers affordable housing, top universities, and beautiful natural scenery with countless outdoor activities. As a result, many Californians are heading north for the state of Washington and other parts of the Pacific Northwest. The state’s mild climate and high quality of life certainly contribute to the decision.

5. Florida 
 

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 40,730
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -20,867

Florida is known for its gorgeous weather, warm winters, white-sand beaches, and beautiful outdoor scenery. While the move from California to Florida is a major one (seeing as they’re on opposite sides of the country), many Golden State residents are willing to relocate to the Sunshine State — especially since the pandemic.

From ideal weather to a lack of income tax to countless job opportunities, there are many perks of living in Florida. Florida is home to many “snowbirds” (northerners who move south for the winter), retirees who want to relish in the warm weather, and young professionals who take advantage of Florida’s bustling cities.

6. Oregon 

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 32,906
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -17,109

California’s neighboring state of Oregon houses a ton of California transplants. Not only is the move more simple (just over the northern border), but Oregon also has low housing costs, no sales tax, and plentiful job opportunities. The state also has stunning natural beauty and mild weather.

Oregon also provides a slower pace of living that many Californians crave. In fact, you can live comfortably off a much lower salary in Oregon than you can in California, meaning there is less pressure to hustle at work constantly. 

California is also known for its congested traffic and crowded cities while Oregon’s cities provide different energies, from artsy and creative to young and vibrant. You can also access a wide variety of beautiful landscapes in Oregon, as you can in California.

7. Colorado

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 26,911
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -12,618

Colorado isn’t too far east of California, but it is a popular destination for many Californians. In fact, much of the country has developed a heightened interest in this gorgeous state. Colorado actually experiences more sun and clear skies than California. Not only that but the state boasts clean refreshing air, which is a struggle for California and its common smog.

Not only that, but Colorado also has lower rent and utility costs, a better healthcare system, and lower taxes. Overall, the cost of living is much more affordable in Colorado than it is in California, yet the Rocky Mountain state still provides gorgeous weather and natural scenery.

8. New York

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 21,700
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): +6,031

While many Californians flocked to New York in recent years, California has actually gained more residents than it lost from New York. That being said, New York is still a popular relocation spot for Californians looking to escape the West Coast. Specifically, many individuals move from Los Angeles to New York City for a change of pace and different city dynamics. Both cities have their own perks and are extremely different from each other in terms of energy, climate, and opportunity.

New York offers a vibrant nightlife, incredible career prospects, a great education system, and access to Broadway shows. It’s also one of the most famous cities in the entire world. It’s easy to see why so many California transplants are making their way east for a new adventure and change of pace.

9. Idaho 

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 26,233
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -21,558

Believe it or not, Idaho, especially Boise, has great career opportunities that have Americans moving from all across the country. Many Californians flee to Idaho for this specific reason, as the tech center is booming in the state. Furthermore, Idaho offers affordable housing and a lower cost of living when compared to California. There are also many recreational opportunities with stunning scenery for those outdoor types.

Additionally, Idaho has limited traffic, which is something that California cannot boast about. The state’s lower crime rates and proximity to the West Coast make it an attractive alternative to living in California. 

10. Tennessee

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 23,403
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -18,201

Tennessee is the 10th state experiencing the most Californian transplants between 2020 and 2021. This is likely due to the lack of state income tax, lower cost of living, and access to city life. In fact, many individuals make the move from Los Angeles to Nashville for the music scene and vibrant nightlife.

Tennessee real estate is also much more affordable than California. Living in this southern state offers residents gorgeous natural scenery, as well as historical attractions, particularly in the music industry.

11. North Carolina 

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 21,961
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -11,681

Moving from one coast to another is not a simple feat. However, North Carolina provides a lower cost of living, a thriving job market (especially in tech and healthcare), and mild weather throughout the year. Depending on the part of North Carolina, there are many affordable housing opportunities and access to the great outdoors. From shorelines to mountain ranges, North Carolina offers picturesque scenery and even fall foliage in some regions.

Like California, North Carolina has quite a few cities like Charlotte and Raleigh — but with much less traffic and people.

12. Utah

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 19,930
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -11,964

You might assume that California and Utah have little in common. That being said, it’s perhaps shocking to hear that an influx of Californians are moving to Utah. However, Utah’s employment opportunities and strong economy play huge roles in California transplants’ decisions to settle in the Beehive State.

This landlocked state is smack between Nevada and Colorado, both of which are on this list. Perhaps it’s Utah’s proximity to California that makes it so attractive. It’s not super far from the state for those who don’t want to migrate thousands of miles away from family members, but it also offers a change of scenery. Additionally, Salt Lake City is a great place to live, offering tons of outdoor activities, a successful job market, and access to various terrains. 

13. Georgia

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 18,713
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -8,872

Georgia is another state on the East Coast that’s attracting many Californians. Home to cities like Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia provides countless employment opportunities and southern charm. Further, being located on the East Coast, Georgia also offers access to beaches like Tybee Island and Jekyll Island.

With so many gorgeous outdoor attractions and beautiful weather year-round, it’s no surprise that Californians are relocating to Georgia. However, the state does experience extremely hot and humid springs and summers, similar to Florida. But with its natural beaches, marshes, live oaks, and Spanish moss, it’s easy to see why so many people are moving to this southeastern state.

14. Virginia

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 18,441
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -4,524

Many previous California residents are also finding themselves at home in Virginia — perhaps another shocking state on this list. While Virginia is a beautiful place to settle down and raise a family, it is extremely different from California. For one thing, the lifestyles most people lead in California versus Virginia often are a stark contrast to each other. However, Virginia does offer a lower cost of living, employment opportunities, a thriving education system, and more urban and rural living.

Virginia is also filled with historical landmarks, mild weather, and East Coast beaches. Californian residents who are seeking a slower lifestyle might find their peaceful place in Virginia.

15. Illinois 

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 13,919
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): +1,978

Some Californians fleeing the west coast head to the midwestern state of Illinois. Even so, however, California gained more residents than it lost from Illinois. 

It’s no shock that most transplants are likely settling in Chicago, a bustling city with diverse work sectors from manufacturing and IT to publishing and healthcare. In fact, Chicago has gained popularity in recent years, with individuals from various states moving to the city.

However, the only beaches available in Illinois are on Lake Michigan, meaning these ex-California residents will have to adjust to a colder beach and lack of ocean. Additionally, more affordable housing will be found the further you travel from Chicago. 

16. Massachusetts

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 9,568
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): +537

Massachusetts might have experienced an influx of Californian transplants, but they also lost even more of their own to the Golden State. Nevertheless, while Massachusetts is certainly not the most affordable state in the U.S., it does have its perks. For one thing, you get to experience all four seasons in their glory — but this includes cold, brutal winters, which most Californians are not used to.

Additionally, Massachusetts does have some quieter and cheaper areas that are attractive to California residents. In terms of city life, Boston offers a small-town feel, making it an easily walkable city with great universities, tons of parks, and expansive dining opportunities.

17. Pennsylvania

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 10,072
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -1,607

Pennsylvania is a far cry from California, but the state has many perks to offer. For one thing, Pennsylvania has a lower cost of living than many other states, especially when compared to California. Furthermore, much of the state is quieter and less densely populated. You also have access to diverse terrain, from rocky mountain ranges to sandy flatlands.

There are many affordable housing opportunities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, as well as rich history and culture, landmarks, and outdoor recreation. Additionally, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are two of the most popular Pennsylvania cities that offer great job opportunities and vibrant nightlife.

18. Hawaii

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 10,743
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -2,201

Not to be biased, but I feel Hawaii deserves its spot on this list — and stats prove this to be true. While Hawaii is certainly not an affordable alternative to living in California, it is still an inviting and soulful place to call home. Hawaii boasts warm weather year-round, a rich culture, and a deep connection to nature and wildlife.

In comparison to California, Hawaii allows you to lead a much slower lifestyle with an emphasis on relaxation and restoration. You’ll still find many of the same recreational activities, from hiking to surfing, as well as breathtaking views you won’t find anywhere else.

19. Ohio

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 9,596
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -2,217

Ohio is for the lovers — and apparently for Californians. Ohio is among the top 20 states where Californians are fleeing to and it is also ranked one of the best states in the country. Ohio offers a low cost of living, an incredible education system, and a thriving economy. There are also many job opportunities in Ohio, specifically in cities like Columbus, making it an attractive place to start your career.

Ohio is also filled with tons of recreational activities and beautiful terrain, from the Great Lakes Plains to the Appalachian plateau to the Lake Erie shoreline.

20. Michigan

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 9,190
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -1,344

Michigan as a whole offers a much lower cost of living than California while still maintaining countless recreational activities and stunning outdoor wonders. While Michigan is not located on either coast of the U.S., meaning does not offer access to the ocean, it does have beaches along four of the five Great Lakes. Summers in Michigan are unbeatable and boast gorgeous weather, but winters can be brutal with freezing temperatures and tons of snow.

Nevertheless, California transplants will certainly appreciate the lack of traffic and more affordable homes in Michigan. 

21. Missouri

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 9,928
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): -4,920

Missouri has a lower cost of living when compared to many other states, but it is especially low in comparison to California. Perhaps this is why a ton of California transplants are finding their way to this Midwestern state.

Housing prices and other expenses tend to be much lower in Missouri, and those who work remotely can stretch their income much further in the state than they can in California. Not only that, but Missouri residents get to experience lower taxes, stunning natural parks, and other beautiful outdoor wonders. 

22. New Jersey

• Californian Transplants (2020-2021): 8,091
• Californian Net Migration (2020-2021): +1,311

While I’m a Jersey girl through and through (born and raised), I might be biased when I say that New Jersey is a great place to live. However, the data supports this claim, as many Californians are finding their way to the Garden State. While New Jersey has lost many of its own residents to California over recent years, New Jersey is still experiencing an influx of California transplants, and it’s easy to see why.

Not only is New Jersey located near both New York City and Philadelphia — two major U.S. cities — but it also offers access to some of the most beautiful East Coast beaches. New Jersey also has an overall low crime rate and incredible food, if I do say so myself. However, keep in mind that New Jersey is a relatively expensive state, similar to New York and California.