Where Californians Are Going: 10 States Experiencing the Biggest Influx

Between 2020 and 2022, California lost about 750,000 of its residents to other U.S. states. This astonishing number is due to a crazy hike in out-of-state troopers before the pandemic hit in 2020.

Of course, people migrate between states all the time, but it becomes worrisome when there are more residents moving out than new settlers coming in.

Why are Californians moving en masse out of the Golden State?

Where are Californians moving to?

According to census data, the Lone Star State takes the #1 spot for housing the fleeing residents of California—more details about the top ten states having a high Influx of Californians.

Possible Challenges of Living in California

• High cost of living
• Housing shortages
• Rising unemployment rate
• High taxes
• Natural disasters 

1. Texas

• Number of Migrating Californians: 105,434
• Housing Cost: 27% lower in Texas
• Healthcare Cost: 19% lower in Texas
• Food Cost: 10% lower in Texas

With over 100,000 Californians fleeing their high-rise buildings to live in the Lone Star State, Texas has become the number one go-to place. It’s not just the Golden State residents moving to Texas; movers in California have recorded a national influx into Texas.

The cost of living is around 33% cheaper in Texas, and with rising rents, housing value, and mortgage rates in California, it just makes sense for residents to move into the growing tech hub.

Texas’s no-income-tax law appeals to many movers, although it’s not a major instigator for most migration. For a few others, the warm and fair weather in Texas is a steal for them compared to the natural disasters in California.

2. Arizona

• Number of Migrating Californians: 63,597
• Housing Cost: 22% lower in Arizona
• Healthcare Cost: 20% lower in Arizona
• Food Cost: 3% lower in Arizona

Many Californians have made the Grand Canyon State their next destination just by the Eastern border. Most of the migrating residents choose Arizona because it offers a cheaper living cost and is close to their ex-state.

Aside from the weather conditions,…