For years, people joked about Californians leaving the state. Lately, though, the decision to move is becoming less of a punchline and more of a financial calculation.

Housing is a big part of the reason. California’s home prices are among the highest in the country, and residents are also dealing with expensive utilities, groceries, gas, and other everyday costs. For some families, moving somewhere cheaper has become one of the few realistic ways to get more breathing room in their budgets.

A recent report from the California Policy Lab found that Californians who leave the state tend to move to neighborhoods where housing costs are about $672 less per month. Over time, they’re also more likely to become homeowners than similar residents who remain in California.

And while California-to-other-state moves often make headlines, many people aren’t going particularly far. Western states remain popular because they offer lower housing costs while keeping people within a manageable distance of California.

Here are 10 states that continue to attract people leaving California.

1. Nevada

Nevada has become one of the most common destinations for Californians looking for a lower-cost place to live. Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno are popular choices, partly because homes can cost considerably less than in many California markets.

The lack of a state individual income tax is another reason some people make the move.

For Californians who still want a Western lifestyle, Nevada can feel familiar without the same housing prices. The California Policy Lab found that Nevada receives more Californians per capita than any other state.

2. Idaho

Idaho has attracted plenty of former California residents over the past several years. Boise and its surrounding communities became especially popular during the pandemic as people looked for more affordable homes, access to outdoor recreation, and a quieter pace of life.

For some Californians, the biggest draw is the possibility of buying a home without taking on the enormous mortgage that can come with a California property.

Idaho has gotten more expensive itself, but it can still look appealing compared with many California markets.

3. Oregon

Oregon gives Californians a way to stay on the West Coast while potentially cutting their housing costs. Portland and nearby communities have attracted plenty of newcomers, while smaller cities and towns offer another option for people who want more space.

The geographic proximity also makes trips back to California easier than they would be from states farther across the country.

For some families, Oregon feels familiar enough to make the transition easier while offering a different price point.

4. Arizona

Arizona has been a popular destination for Californians for years, and that trend has continued. Phoenix and its suburbs, Tucson, and smaller communities around the state draw people looking for lower housing costs and more space.

Retirees and remote workers are among those who have made the move, but families have also been drawn to Arizona’s newer suburban developments and larger homes.

The state has its own challenges, including intense summer heat and rising housing costs, but some Californians still find the overall cost of living easier to manage.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee gained plenty of attention during the pandemic as people relocated there from higher-cost states. Nashville and surrounding communities have been particularly popular with people looking for lower taxes, cheaper housing, and growing employment opportunities.

For someone leaving California, the move can mean a much lower monthly housing bill. The trade-off is distance. Tennessee is much farther from California than Nevada, Arizona, or Oregon, so relocating there can mean being several hours farther from family and friends.

Still, for some households, the savings make the distance worthwhile.

6. Texas

Texas gets mentioned constantly in conversations about people leaving California, although its ranking changes depending on whether you look at total numbers or migration rates.

Austin, Dallas, Houston, and their surrounding suburbs continue to attract California residents. Lower home prices, larger properties, and the lack of a state individual income tax are among the reasons people give for moving.

Texas isn’t exactly cheap everywhere anymore, though. Property taxes can be high, housing costs have climbed in several major cities, and the summer heat can take some getting used to.

For many newcomers, it’s still a very different financial picture from what they were dealing with in California.

7. Washington

Washington remains a popular choice for Californians who want to stay on the West Coast. Seattle and the surrounding region attract workers in technology and other industries, while smaller communities appeal to people who want more space.

Washington also has no state individual income tax, which can be appealing to some households.

Housing around Seattle can still be expensive, so moving there isn’t automatically a money-saving decision. Some Californians are drawn more by employment opportunities, outdoor recreation, and the chance to remain relatively close to the West Coast.

8. Utah

Utah has become another popular destination for California families and remote workers. The Salt Lake City and Provo areas have grown considerably, with new housing developments and plenty of access to outdoor activities.

Former Californians often mention having more room for their money as one of the reasons they moved.

Utah’s housing costs have also risen, so it isn’t the bargain it once was. Still, compared with some California markets, buyers may find more options within their budget.

9. Florida

Florida gets plenty of attention in discussions about migration, though it ranks lower than some Western states among Californians leaving the state.

Retirees are a major part of the appeal, while remote workers and families may also be drawn by the warmer climate and lack of a state individual income tax.

The move comes with its own set of expenses. Home insurance costs, hurricane risks, humidity, and rising housing prices can make Florida more expensive than newcomers expect.

For some Californians, though, the change in lifestyle is still worth it.

10. Wyoming

Wyoming saw a noticeable increase in Californians moving in during the pandemic, particularly among remote workers who were able to leave major cities behind.

The state offers plenty of open space, smaller communities, and access to outdoor recreation. For people tired of crowded cities and expensive housing, that can be a pretty appealing combination.

The pandemic-era migration has cooled from its peak, but Wyoming continues to attract people who want a quieter lifestyle and more space.

Why Are So Many Californians Leaving?

Money is a big part of the story.

California has plenty going for it, but housing costs can make life difficult for households that earn decent incomes but still can’t afford to buy a home. Rent can also take up a huge portion of a monthly budget, especially in the state’s most expensive cities.

Then there are the other everyday expenses. Groceries, utilities, transportation, and gasoline can add up quickly.

The California Policy Lab report also found that people who leave California tend to have some financial differences from neighbors who stay. They were more likely to have higher student debt, lower credit scores, and lower homeownership rates.

Moving to a cheaper state doesn’t solve every financial problem, but for some people, it changes the monthly math enough to make buying a home or saving money feel possible.

That may be why the California exodus continues to get attention. For many former residents, leaving isn’t about giving up on California. It’s about finding a place where their income goes a little further.