Who’s Moving To and From New York?
In the latest Census data (2022), New York lost about 206,548 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for New Jersey than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from New Jersey.
Top states moving into New York
- New Jersey 36,210
- California 27,546
- Pennsylvania 23,281
- Florida 22,705
- Massachusetts 18,933
Where New York residents move
- New Jersey 71,075
- Florida 70,558
- Pennsylvania 45,746
- California 36,632
- North Carolina 26,351
Net interstate migration: -206,548 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 New York residents go: the biggest destinations are New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania. The single largest stream runs to New Jersey — about 71,075 people in a year. In total, roughly 460,464 residents left New York for another state, versus about 253,916 who moved in.
Who moves to New York: the largest inbound flows come from New Jersey, California and Pennsylvania, led by New Jersey with about 36,210 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: New York'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 (3.9%–10.9%) 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 New York and New Jersey can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare New York 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 New York?
- On net, yes — New York loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 206,548 in 2022. The most leave for New Jersey.
- Which state do most people move to from New York?
- New Jersey is the top destination for people leaving New York, with about 71,075 moves in the latest year, followed by Florida and Pennsylvania.
- Which states do people move to New York from?
- The largest inbound flows to New York come from New Jersey, California and Pennsylvania, led by New Jersey with about 36,210 arrivals.