Californians Fleeing to Low-Taxed States

This guide covers how Californians fleeing to low-taxed states. California is the most populous state in the U.S. Over 39 million people live in the state of California. California has the highest home prices in the country. Average homes in California are priced at $787,500 compared to the national average of $497,000. This is double the national average. California also is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. Dale Elenteny, a senior mortgage loan originator at Gustan Cho Associates says the following about Californians fleeing to low-taxed states due to high-taxes and high cost of living:

Due to spending, state politicians keep on raising taxes. Sales taxes are one of the highest in the nation. State income taxes are also among the highest in the county.

Recent reports revealed gas prices in California are double the national average. On a positive note, California wage earners are among the highest wage earners in the nation. High wages offset the high cost of living. California is one of the nine community property states in the nation. In this article, we will cover and discuss Californians fleeing to low-taxed states due to high taxes and high cost of living.

Californians Fleeing to Low-Taxed States – Why the Trend Keeps Growing

More Californians are moving to states with lower taxes. Read about the reasons, destinations, and effects on the economy and housing in this migration wave.

Why Californians Fleeing to Low-Taxed States: Why Are Californians Packing Up and Leaving

Californians Fleeing To Low-Taxed States

California used to charm everyone with its beautiful beaches and booming tech jobs, but that charm is wearing off. Housing prices and rent are at all-time highs; the state income tax can top 13.3%, and everyday expenses keep climbing. Families and business owners seek places where life costs less and where government rules feel less tight.

Why Californians Are Fleeing to Low-Taxed States

Discover which states offer the biggest tax savings—and how much you could keep in your pocket.

How Taxes Are Pushing Residents Out the Door

California customers feel pain when they fill their gas tanks or pay their rent. The state income tax squeezes high earners, and combined sales and property taxes aren’t much kinder. This financial squeeze is sending people to friendlier states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, where a state income tax does not exist, leaving them with more money in their pockets every month.

Top Low-Taxed States Drawing Californians

  • Texas: No income tax, cheaper homes, and a hot job market.
  • Florida: Sunny weather, no income tax, and fast-growing industries.
  • Nevada: Close to California, with no income tax and rules that favor business.
  • Tennessee: Wages aren’t taxed, living costs are low, and jobs are plentiful.
  • Arizona: Lower property taxes, budget-friendly homes, and mild winters.

Housing Prices and Affordability Tracks

In California, the typical home is now about $800,000. Similar houses cost 40% to 60% less. In Texas and Florida, a California homeowner can sell, move, and buy a bigger house with either cash or a much smaller loan, immediately cutting monthly payments.

Lifestyle Gains and Remote Work Turns

With remote work here to stay, many no longer need to live in pricey cities. States with low taxes usually have quicker commutes, lighter traffic, and a calmer pace, which many families and retirees find attractive.

Economic Changes Back in California

The exit of wealthy people and businesses means California might drop tax income, face a smaller labor pool, and slow economic growth

Possible Risks of Relocating

Even with lower taxes, moving to another state can bring higher insurance rates, severe weather hazards, and a smaller public service footprint. Smart preparation can help you avoid surprises.

Positives Versus Negatives Living in California

The state of California is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. Bordering the Pacific Ocean, there are hundreds of miles of oceanfront. The weather is perfect in Southern California. Folks living in Southern California can see snow in the winter months by driving up north a few hours away. Californians make more money than the average worker nationally. The state is home to Hollywood. However, with positives comes negatives.

Like many states, California has its share of problems. The dry weather attracts California Wildfires. Earthquakes are common. Home prices are among the highest in the nation.

Smog is an issue in highly populated cities like Los Angeles. There seems no end to taxes. Politicians keep on increasing taxes. Many Californians fleeing to low-taxed states due to high taxes. Taxes seem to be the single biggest reason for Californians fleeing to low-taxed states..

Impact of Californians Fleeing to Low-Taxed States

The impact of Californians Fleeing To Low-Taxed States has an impact on the economy of the state. There are many states such as Florida where the state is raking in billions in revenues by attracting new businesses and taxpayers. Over 691,000 taxpayers moved out of California last year.

The main reason for individual taxpayers leaving for other states was due to the hefty taxes and high cost of living. Countless businesses are also fleeing California to other states where they are tax-friendly.

States like Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi have state departments whose function is recruiting new businesses and taxpayers to their state. Their key in getting new businesses and taxpayers to their state is by being tax-friendly and offering incentives. Many Californians and other taxpayers of high-taxed states are fed up and moving to tax-friendly states.

Reasons Residents Leave California

Every tax in California is high. State sales, income, and property taxes are among the highest in the nation. Over 691,000 California residents left the state last year to other states with lower taxes and lower cost of living.

Californians fleeing to low-taxed states is not just hearsay. It is based on facts. Newly released census data documents approximately 691,000 taxpayers moved from California in 2018.

During the same time period, about 501,000 new residents moved to California. According to KNTV, this is the seventh year in a row the state had a net loss of taxpayers.

What States Are California Taxpayers Fleeing To

Government leaders need to run city, county, state government like a business. There are states that are booming and have a flood of new businesses and taxpayers moving into their states. However, other states like California and Illinois are losing countless businesses and individual taxpayers in droves.

The number one state California residents are flocking to is Texas. Texas has the second-largest population out of all states. California is the state with the largest population.

Texas added more jobs last year than any other state. The state boasts an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national 3.5% average. Arizona comes in second place where California taxpayers are migrating to.

California to Texas (and Beyond): Tax Escape Guide

Get insider tips on the easiest, most affordable moves to tax-friendly states in 2025.

List of States Californians are Migrating To

The main reasons for Californians leaving the state are due to high taxes, high home prices, and the high cost of living. Over 50% of individual Californians are leaving the state due to high taxes and high housing costs per a recent UC Berkeley poll. Businesses and companies are leaving the state due to the high taxes and how the state keeps on increasing and creating new taxes.

FAQ: Californians Moving to Low-Tax States

Why are so many Californians moving away?

  • People are packing up mainly because of high taxes, rising home prices, and a generally high cost of living.

Which states do Californians pick the most?

  • Texas, Florida, Nevada, Arizona, and Tennessee consistently appear at the top of relocation lists.

Are only retirees leaving?

  • No. Families, young adults, and business owners are moving, too.

How much do movers typically save?

  • Savings can range widely, but many people spend 30% less on housing and taxes.

Are there any downsides?

  • Yes.
  • You may need to get used to a different climate, new job trends, and a different local culture.

Ready to Pay Less Tax? See Where Californians Go

From Florida’s zero income tax to Washington’s low property rates—discover your top options.

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