Introduction
Record numbers of Californians are seeking new horizons, driven by high housing costs, increasing taxes, and changing quality of life. Whether you're motivated by financial freedom, career opportunities, or lifestyle changes, this guide will help you navigate your relocation journey and show you the best states to move to from California.
What's In This Guide
This comprehensive resource includes:
Detailed analysis of the top 12 states where Californians are moving
Real cost of living comparisons with California metros
Current housing market data and trends
Job market analysis and major employers
Climate comparisons and weather considerations
Cultural adjustment insights
State-by-state tax implications
State-by-State Analysis
1) Texas
Overview: The leading destination for California transplants, offering no state income tax and robust economic growth.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 40-60% lower than California
No state income tax
Average utilities 15% lower than California
Property taxes higher (1.8% vs 0.73%)
Gas prices typically 25-30% lower
Job Market
Tech hub emergence in Austin
Energy sector dominance in Houston
Financial services cluster in Dallas
Key employers: Tesla, Oracle, Apple, Dell, AT&T, ExxonMobil
Average salaries 10-15% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $300,000 (vs. $750,000 in CA)
Strong new construction market
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,500
More land availability
Fewer building restrictions
Climate & Weather
Hot, humid summers (95°F+ common)
Mild winters (occasional freezing)
Tornado and hurricane risk
Higher humidity than California
Less predictable weather patterns
Cultural Aspects
Conservative political climate
Strong sports culture
Diverse food scene
Car-dependent lifestyle
More traditional values
Strong sense of state pride
Popular Areas
Austin: Tech scene, cultural hub
Dallas-Fort Worth: Corporate jobs, suburbs
Houston: Energy sector, diversity
San Antonio: Military, healthcare
2) Florida
Overview: Popular for its zero income tax, warm weather, and growing tech scene.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 30% lower than California
No state income tax
Lower utility costs
Insurance costs higher (hurricane risk)
Property taxes moderate (0.98%)
Job Market
Growing tech sector in Miami
Strong tourism industry
Space tech in Space Coast
Key employers: Disney, Universal, Lockheed Martin, Tech startups
Competitive salaries in tech
Housing Market
Median home price: $400,000
Active new construction
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $2,000
Coastal properties premium-priced
Strong investment market
Climate & Weather
Hot, humid summers
Mild winters
Hurricane risk (June-November)
Year-round sunshine
Afternoon thunderstorms common
Cultural Aspects
Diverse international culture
Strong retiree presence
Beach lifestyle
Tourist-friendly atmosphere
Mix of Southern and Caribbean influence
Popular Areas
Miami: International flair, tech
Tampa: Growing tech scene, families
Orlando: Tourism, space tech
Jacksonville: Military, healthcare
3) Arizona
Overview: Popular for its similar climate to California and lower cost of living, particularly attracting LA and San Diego residents.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 35-45% lower than California
State income tax: 2.5% flat rate
Utilities 5-10% higher than California (due to AC needs)
Property taxes lower (0.62%)
Lower transportation costs
Job Market
Growing tech sector in Phoenix
Strong healthcare industry
Expanding manufacturing
Key employers: Intel, American Express, Mayo Clinic, Raytheon
Salaries typically 15-20% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $425,000
Active new construction market
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,600
Master-planned communities common
Strong appreciation rates
Climate & Weather
Very hot summers (110°F+ common)
Mild winters
Low humidity
Monsoon season (July-September)
300+ days of sunshine
Cultural Aspects
Conservative-leaning politics
Active outdoor lifestyle
Strong retirement communities
Mexican cultural influence
Golf and resort culture
Popular Areas
Phoenix: Job market, affordability
Scottsdale: Luxury, tourism
Tempe: University, young professionals
Gilbert: Families, safety
4) Idaho
Overview: Attracting Californians seeking outdoor lifestyle and lower costs, particularly from Northern California.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 40-50% lower than California
State income tax: 1-6.5%
Utilities 10% lower than California
Property taxes moderate (0.69%)
Significantly lower insurance costs
Job Market
Growing tech presence
Strong agriculture sector
Expanding healthcare
Key employers: Micron, HP, St. Luke's Health
Salaries 25-30% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $460,000
Limited inventory
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,400
Rapid appreciation in Boise (check out our guide on moving to Boise from California)
New construction expanding
Climate & Weather
Four distinct seasons
Cold winters with snow
Dry summers
Low humidity
Air quality issues in winter
Cultural Aspects
Conservative politics
Outdoor recreation focus
Strong community feel
Less diverse than California
Emphasis on self-reliance
Popular Areas
Boise: Tech jobs, culture
Meridian: Families, growth
Coeur d'Alene: Recreation, tourism
Twin Falls: Affordability
5) Nevada
Overview: Closest alternative to California, offering no state income tax and familiar climate.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 30-40% lower than California
No state income tax
Utilities higher than California
Property taxes moderate (0.53%)
Lower insurance costs
Job Market
Strong hospitality/gaming sector
Growing tech presence in Reno
Warehouse/logistics hub
Key employers: Tesla Gigafactory, Amazon, MGM Resorts
Competitive wages in tech/manufacturing
Housing Market
Median home price: $450,000
New communities developing
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,700
Strong investment market
Desert lot availability
Climate & Weather
Hot, dry summers
Mild winters
Low humidity
Limited rainfall
High desert climate
Cultural Aspects
Moderate politics
24/7 lifestyle in Vegas
Outdoor recreation
Transient population
Gaming culture
Popular Areas
Las Vegas: Entertainment, jobs
Henderson: Families, safety
Reno: Tech, outdoor lifestyle
Sparks: Manufacturing, affordability
6) Utah
Overview: Attracting tech workers and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly from Silicon Valley and Southern California.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 25-35% lower than California
State income tax: 4.85% flat rate
Utilities 15% lower than California
Property taxes low (0.58%)
Lower insurance costs
Job Market
Thriving tech sector ("Silicon Slopes")
Strong financial services
Healthcare expansion
Key employers: Adobe, Qualtrics, Ancestry, Goldman Sachs
Tech salaries 10-15% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $495,000
New construction in valley areas
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,800
Strong appreciation rates
Mountain view premiums
Climate & Weather
Four distinct seasons
Cold, snowy winters
Hot, dry summers
Low humidity
Excellent snow conditions
Cultural Aspects
Conservative politics
Strong Mormon influence
Outdoor recreation focus
Family-oriented
Clean living emphasis
Popular Areas
Salt Lake City: Tech, culture
Lehi: Tech corridor
Park City: Recreation, luxury
Provo: Education, families
7) Tennessee
Overview: Gaining popularity for music culture, no income tax, and lower cost of living.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 45-55% lower than California
No state income tax
Utilities 10% lower than California
Property taxes very low (0.64%)
Lower food and transportation costs
Job Market
Growing healthcare sector
Music and entertainment
Automotive manufacturing
Key employers: Nissan, HCA Healthcare, FedEx, Amazon
Salaries 25-30% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $375,000
Strong new development
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,600
Historic home options
Land availability
Climate & Weather
Hot, humid summers
Mild winters
Four seasons
Tornado risk
Regular rainfall
Cultural Aspects
Conservative politics
Strong music scene
Southern hospitality
Food culture
Sports focused
Popular Areas
Nashville: Music, healthcare
Franklin: Affluent suburbs
Chattanooga: Outdoor lifestyle
Memphis: Culture, affordability
8) Oregon
Overview: Appeals to those seeking similar West Coast lifestyle with lower costs.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 15-25% lower than California
State income tax: up to 9.9%
Utilities similar to California
Property taxes moderate (0.97%)
No sales tax
Job Market
Strong tech presence
Sporting goods/outdoor industry
Healthcare sector
Key employers: Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear
Competitive tech salaries
Housing Market
Median home price: $550,000
Limited inventory
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $2,000
Urban growth boundaries
Emphasis on sustainable building
Climate & Weather
Rainy winters
Mild summers
Less sunshine than California
Low humidity
Seasonal allergies common
Cultural Aspects
Progressive politics
Environmental focus
Outdoor lifestyle
Food and beer culture
Artistic community
Popular Areas
Portland: Urban lifestyle
Bend: Outdoor recreation
Eugene: University town
Beaverton: Tech suburbs
9) Washington
Overview: Attracts tech workers and those seeking natural beauty without state income tax.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 10-20% lower than California
No state income tax
Utilities 10% lower than California
Property taxes moderate (0.93%)
High cost of living in Seattle area
Job Market
Major tech hub
Aerospace industry
Healthcare innovation
Key employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing
Tech salaries comparable to California
Housing Market
Median home price: $600,000
Competitive market
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $2,300
Limited new construction
High-rise development in cities
Climate & Weather
Rainy winters
Mild summers
Less sunshine than California
Marine influence
Snow in eastern regions
Cultural Aspects
Progressive politics
Coffee culture
Outdoor focus
Tech-friendly
Environmental consciousness
Popular Areas
Seattle: Tech jobs
Bellevue: Upscale suburbs
Spokane: Affordability
Vancouver: Portland proximity
10) North Carolina
Overview: Attracts professionals seeking lower costs and growing tech opportunities.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 40-50% lower than California
State income tax: 4.75% flat rate
Utilities 5% lower than California
Property taxes low (0.77%)
Lower insurance costs
Job Market
Growing tech sector
Banking/finance
Healthcare/biotech
Key employers: Bank of America, Duke Health, Red Hat
Salaries 20-25% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $350,000
Active new construction
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,500
Master-planned communities
Historic properties available
Climate & Weather
Hot, humid summers
Mild winters
Four seasons
Hurricane risk
Spring/fall pleasant
Cultural Aspects
Moderate politics
College sports culture
Southern charm
BBQ tradition
Growing international community
Popular Areas
Charlotte: Banking, urban
Raleigh-Durham: Tech, education
Asheville: Arts, mountains
Wilmington: Coastal living
For a deep dive, see our guide on moving to North Carolina from California.
11) South Carolina
Overview: Popular for coastal living and lower costs, particularly among retirees.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 45-55% lower than California
State income tax: 0-7%
Utilities 10% lower than California
Property taxes very low (0.57%)
Lower transportation costs
Job Market
Manufacturing growth
Tourism industry
Healthcare sector
Key employers: Boeing, BMW, Michelin
Salaries 30-35% lower than California
Housing Market
Median home price: $325,000
New coastal development
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $1,400
Historic properties
Golf communities
Climate & Weather
Hot, humid summers
Mild winters
Hurricane risk
Long growing season
Beach weather
Cultural Aspects
Conservative politics
Beach lifestyle
Southern traditions
Golf culture
Military presence
Popular Areas
Charleston: Historic, coastal
Greenville: Business hub
Myrtle Beach: Tourism
Columbia: Government, education
12) Colorado
Overview: Attracts tech workers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking mountain lifestyle.
Cost of Living
Housing costs 20-30% lower than California
State income tax: 4.55% flat rate
Utilities similar to California
Property taxes low (0.49%)
Higher transportation costs
Job Market
Tech sector growth
Aerospace industry
Outdoor recreation business
Key employers: Google, Oracle, Lockheed Martin
Competitive tech salaries
Housing Market
Median home price: $550,000
Mountain premium
Average rent for 2-bedroom: $2,100
New urban development
Mountain town options
Climate & Weather
Four distinct seasons
Cold, snowy winters
Low humidity
300+ days of sunshine
Altitude adjustment needed
Cultural Aspects
Purple state politics
Outdoor recreation focus
Craft beer culture
Health conscious
Dog friendly
Popular Areas
Denver: Urban amenities
Boulder: Tech, education
Colorado Springs: Military, affordability
Fort Collins: Growing tech scene
Making Your Decision: Key Questions
Career Considerations
Is your industry well-represented?
Can you maintain California salary?
What's the startup environment like?
Remote work policies?
Career growth potential?
Lifestyle Alignment
Weather preferences?
Urban vs. suburban needs?
Outdoor activity requirements?
Cultural and political preferences?
Family considerations?
Financial Analysis
Housing budget and market reality
State tax implications
Moving costs
Insurance differences
Healthcare costs
Transportation expenses
Practical Moving Tips
Research Phase (3-6 months before)
Join local Facebook groups and forums
Connect with California transplants
Research local news sources
Study crime statistics
Calculate true cost of living
Research school districts
Investigate healthcare options
Planning Phase (2-3 months before)
Visit during different seasons
Work with local realtor
Research neighborhoods
Consider renting first
Plan for climate adjustment
Set up banking and utilities
Research moving companies
Working with Realtors
Connect early (3-6 months before)
Ask about California transplant experience
Request virtual tours
Discuss market trends
Get referrals from other transplants
Understand local market practices
Timing Your Move
Consider school year
Research weather patterns
Account for housing seasonality
Plan job transition
Consider tax implications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hasty Decisions
Not visiting during worst weather
Buying without knowing area
Moving without job security
Financial Oversights
Underestimating property taxes
Ignoring insurance costs
Assuming similar utility costs
Not accounting for salary differences
Cultural Misalignments
Overlooking political differences
Assuming similar attitudes
Expecting identical amenities
Underestimating lifestyle changes
Practical Oversights
Not researching schools thoroughly
Ignoring commute patterns
Assuming similar construction quality
Not understanding local weather impacts
Best States to Move to from California
Relocating from California is a significant life change that requires careful planning and research. While each destination offers unique benefits, success depends on understanding your priorities and thoroughly researching your options. Take time to:
Visit potential locations multiple times
Connect with locals and other transplants
Carefully consider financial implications
Research job markets thoroughly
Understand cultural differences
Plan for lifestyle adjustments
Remember that no location is perfect - each has its own trade-offs. Focus on finding the place that best aligns with your priorities, budget, and lifestyle goals. With proper planning and realistic expectations, your transition can be the start of an exciting new chapter.