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Movers Left California and 9 Other States in Droves in 2025 (Is Yours on the List?)

New migration data shows which states lost residents moving to other states.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Feb. 8, 2026

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Americans have itchy feet. Rising housing costs, taxes, freezing temps, retirement, and the expansion of remote work continue to push millions to move across state lines in search of affordability and warmer weather.

U-Haul's latest Growth Index offers a revealing snapshot of those migration patterns. Based on more than 2.5 million one-way rentals completed in 2025, the index doesn't measure population growth directly. Instead, it tracks where moving equipment is picked up and where it's dropped off, ranking states by the net balance of arrivals versus departures and how those rankings shift year over year.

Here's which states saw the largest losses, underscoring a pattern of out-migration to lower-cost regions in the quest to get ahead financially.

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Connecticut

Connecticut continues to lose movers as high taxes collide with steep housing costs.

The state imposes a 6.35% sales tax, with additional sales tax on certain purchase categories such as boats, cars, and data processing services.

Connecticut also has a progressive state income tax of seven brackets, with the highest rate at 6.9%.

The state has a median home sale price of $442,500, and property taxes are the third highest in the nation, weighing heavily on fixed-income households.

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Michigan

Despite some pockets of economic recovery, Michigan remains a net-loss state with more residents moving out than in.

Residents face a 6% sales tax and a flat income tax rate of 4.25%.

Median home prices are relatively affordable at $267,000, but population declines in certain metro areas reflect lingering concerns about long-term economic stability.

Ohio

Ohio experienced one of the steepest year-over-year ranking drops on the U-Haul Growth Index.

The state has a 5.75% sales tax and a high progressive income tax, with those earning $100,000 or greater taxed $2,394.32 plus an additional 3.125% of excess over $100,000.

The median home sales price is relatively affordable at roughly $260,000, but slower job growth continues to push residents elsewhere. Ohio ties with New York for the nation's 13th-highest unemployment rate at 4.5%.

Ohio also has the country's 13th-highest rate of poverty, with 9.2% of the state's population living below the poverty line.

Maryland

With its proximity to Washington, D.C., many of the capital city's highest costs bleed into Maryland. There, the median sale home price has reached $521,146.

The state's 6% sales tax and progressive income tax, now topping out at 6.5%, can further shrink residents' wallet power.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania continues to see net out-migration as residents contend with moderate housing costs paired with a relatively high tax burden.

The state levies a 6% sales tax (up to 8% in some instances) and a flat income tax rate of 3.07%.

Median home sales price sits around $305,000, but Pennsylvania's property taxes are less affordable. The Tax Foundation ranks Pennsylvania's property taxes as 13th-highest in the nation. Additionally, aging housing stock and its required maintenance present a significant challenge.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a 6.25% sales tax and a graduated state income tax rate, with the highest earners paying 9%.

The median home sale price of $638,000 adds to the affordability challenge, even in suburban and exurban (very outer edge of metro) communities.

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New York

New York's high cost of living remains a key driver of out-migration. Statewide, New York imposes a 4% sales tax. But combined with local sales taxes, some residents may pay up to 8.75%.

Adding to the squeeze, the top state income tax rate is 10.9%, and median home prices have reached $400,000.

New Jersey

New Jersey remains one of the most expensive states to live in. Residents face sales taxes up to 6.625% and a progressive income tax topping out at 10.75%.

The median home sales price is near $590,000, pushing ownership out of reach for many.

Additionally, at 2.23%, New Jersey has the nation's highest effective owner-occupied property tax rate, in the nation according to Tax Foundation data.

Illinois

Illinois continues to lose movers to heavy housing and tax pressures. The state applies a 6.25% sales tax and a flat income tax rate of 4.95%.

While home prices are lower than on the coasts, the median home cost of $299,000 is a struggle for residents also facing high property taxes and limited job mobility.

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California

California has ranked last on the U-Haul Growth Index for six straight years, reflecting a sustained exodus that mirrors a John Steinbeck novel — in reverse.

The state levies a statewide sales tax of 7.25% and local taxes of up to 2.00%. Additionally, its progressive income tax has a top rate of 13.3%, the highest in the nation.

Median home prices remain steep, reaching $873,900 in 2025 and projected to reach $905,000 in 2026, pushing affordability out of reach for many households.

Bottom line

Americans are seeking warmer weather and affordable housing. In 2025, the clearest signal came from high-housing-cost states losing more residents than new ones gained.

If you're feeling squeezed by rent or taxes, understanding these migration patterns can help you evaluate whether a move is in order.

Be sure to also speak with an expert about where you stand financially. While lower-cost housing is a draw, a solid financial reset could put you in a stronger position moving ahead, no matter where you live.

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