Are you thinking about moving out of California and building a life elsewhere? You're not the only one.
Research shows that more than seven million California residents moved out of the state from 2010 to 2021. The number of people fleeing the state reached a record high of 407,000 between July 2021 and July 2022.
Why are people moving out of California? It has quite a high cost of living compared with surrounding states, among other reasons. Let's explore why so many individuals in California are moving out of the state and what your moving-out-of-California checklist should look like.
People Moving Out of California: Why?
A top reason why people are moving out of California is the state's high income taxes. The rate was slightly more than 13% in 2023, but it could jump to nearly 17% if lawmakers get their wish. Hawaii is the other only state whose tax rate surpasses 10%.
Let's say you earn $50,000 annually. You would pay nearly $10,000 in federal and state taxes.
A person who earns $100,000 annually may spend almost $29,000. The tax would be more than $200,000 for someone making half a million dollars annually.
Some people are also moving out of California for political reasons. Many conservative voters disagree with the increased influence of unions in the state. They also don't support the state's push to limit law enforcement or eliminate standardized testing at state universities.
Moving Out of California: Other Reasons
Why else are so many people leaving California? They can't find affordable housing.
California's average home price in 2023 was more than $760,000. This means only wealthy individuals can buy houses in the Golden State. Those who aren't wealthy must share homes with relatives or friends.
The state's housing shortage is contributing to its high home prices. One reason for this housing shortage is that city councils are banning new home builds to protect the environment or save their neighborhoods' character.
The state's homelessness problem is another factor in people's decision to leave California. California had more than 171,000 homeless people in 2022. That's more than every other state in the U.S.
People in California Are Moving Out of the State To Where?
Where are people leaving California moving to? The best states to move to when moving out of California are Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.
It's worth moving out of California to Texas since the Lone Star State's climate mirrors the Golden State's. Texas's living costs and taxes are much lower, making life more affordable.
Arizona and Nevada are two other hotspots for fleeing Californians because they're located near California, which makes moving to either state relatively easy. Property costs and taxes are lower in Arizona and Nevada, too.
Moving-Out-of-California Checklist
The best moving tips and tricks for people leaving California include eliminating all unnecessary items. This will give you fewer items to pack, move, and unpack, making the process easier.
People moving from state to state should also invest in the right equipment and supplies. You can still use them after the move even if you don't use them all during your relocation. These tools include:
- Garbage bags
- Paper towels
- Packing tape
- Permanent markers
- Adhesive bandages
- Box cutters
Hire a mover to help pack your belongings if you don't have time to handle this. Commercial moving companies can then transport your items to your new home and unpack them.
Contact a moving company as soon as possible if you plan to use them. Procrastinating could lead to a higher moving service price.
You may not be able to find an available mover if you're moving during the summer, the peak relocation season. Many people move in the summer since their kids are out of school and the weather is pleasant.
Are you concerned about how much your relocation will cost? Use a moving cost calculator to determine your costs based on how large your home is (e.g., two versus three bedrooms) and how far away your new home is.
Car Shipping in California
You might be considering selling a car to one of the car dealerships in California before moving out of the state. Hire an auto transport company to take your vehicle to the dealership if it's several hundred miles away.
Perhaps you plan to take your car with you to another state instead. An auto transport company can help with this, too.
Working with one of the top auto transport companies will save you time and money since you won't have to drive your vehicles. This will enable you to focus on other aspects of your move, like hiring a mover and setting up your utilities at your new home.
Car Shipping Expenses
Your auto transport costs will be based on several factors. One is your car's size, as a pickup truck or sport utility vehicle will cost more to ship than a sedan. Other factors include:
- The car's model and make
- Your car pickup date
- Your shipping distance
You might pay around $700 to $1,000 to ship a car to another state. The cost will be between $600 and $4,100 for cross-country car shipping.
Auto transport companies will charge you more to transport your car on an enclosed hauler versus an open hauler. Enclosed haulers come with walls and roofs to protect vehicles from the elements. Open carriers don't offer this protection.
Expect to pay more if you want expedited shipping, too. This service will ensure your car gets to its destination within two days. A car shipping calculator can help you determine how much you'll pay to transport your vehicle to another state from California.
How We Can Help With Car Shipping
Some people moving out of California cite the state's high taxes and home prices as reasons for leaving. Others are moving out of California because they disagree with the state's politics.
Individuals in California are moving out of the state to places like Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. Your moving-out-of-California checklist should include purging unnecessary items and hiring a mover to make your move easier. You might also need an auto transport service to ship your car out of California.
Nexus Auto Transport is your leading provider of high-quality car shipping services. Get a quote today!
