Who’s Moving To and From California?
In the latest Census data (2022), California lost about 273,440 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Texas than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Texas.
Top states moving into California
- Texas 37,005
- New York 36,632
- Washington 35,178
- Arizona 28,556
- Florida 24,859
Where California residents move
- Texas 89,916
- Arizona 64,716
- Nevada 54,137
- Washington 53,495
- Oregon 42,325
Net interstate migration: -273,440 more people left than arrived (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where California residents go: the biggest destinations are Texas, Arizona and Nevada. The single largest stream runs to Texas — about 89,916 people in a year. In total, roughly 734,231 residents left California for another state, versus about 460,791 who moved in.
Who moves to California: the largest inbound flows come from Texas, New York and Washington, led by Texas with about 37,005 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people leave: California's outflow fits the national pattern of residents moving from higher-cost, higher-tax states toward cheaper, lower-tax ones. With a state income tax (1.0%–13.3%) and an above-average cost of living, the math of moving can be worth a meaningful raise in purchasing power — which is exactly what many of the top destinations offer.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between California and Texas can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare California with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving California?
- On net, yes — California loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 273,440 in 2022. The most leave for Texas.
- Which state do most people move to from California?
- Texas is the top destination for people leaving California, with about 89,916 moves in the latest year, followed by Arizona and Nevada.
- Which states do people move to California from?
- The largest inbound flows to California come from Texas, New York and Washington, led by Texas with about 37,005 arrivals.