For years, people have joked about Californians packing up and moving somewhere else. Lately, though, leaving the state has become a serious option for many households trying to get a handle on their expenses.

Housing is a major reason. California has some of the highest home prices in the country, and residents also face expensive groceries, gas, utilities, and other everyday bills. For families who feel like their paychecks aren’t going as far as they used to, moving to a less expensive state can make homeownership and saving money feel more realistic.

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

Many people aren’t moving across the country, either. Western states remain popular because they offer a chance to lower housing expenses without putting an entire country between former residents and the people they left behind.

Here are 10 states attracting people who are leaving California.

1. Nevada

Nevada is one of the most common destinations for Californians looking for a less expensive place to live. Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno draw newcomers who may be able to find homes at prices well below those in many California communities.

The lack of a state individual income tax is another reason people consider making the move. The California Policy Lab found that Nevada receives more Californians per capita than any other state, making it a particularly popular choice for former residents.

2. Idaho

Idaho has welcomed plenty of former Californians over the past several years. Boise and nearby communities became especially popular during the pandemic, as people looked for more affordable homes, outdoor activities, and a quieter place to live.

For some buyers, the biggest attraction is the chance to purchase a home without taking on the kind of mortgage that comes with buying property in many California markets. Idaho’s housing costs have gone up, too, but the state can still look more affordable by comparison.

3. Oregon

Oregon appeals to Californians who want to remain on the West Coast without paying California housing prices. Portland and its surrounding communities have drawn newcomers, while smaller cities and towns offer options for people looking for more room.

Being close to California is another advantage, especially for people who still have family and friends there. A move to Oregon can mean a shorter trip back home than relocating to a state across the country.

4. Arizona

Arizona has been a popular destination for Californians for years. Phoenix and its suburbs, Tucson, and smaller communities around the state attract people looking for more affordable housing and larger homes.

Retirees and remote workers have made the move, while families have also been drawn to newer suburban developments. Arizona has its own challenges, including extremely hot summers and rising housing costs, but some former Californians still find their overall expenses easier to manage.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee received plenty of attention during the pandemic as people moved there from states with higher living costs. Nashville and nearby communities have been popular with Californians looking for lower taxes, less expensive housing, and employment opportunities.

For some households, relocating can mean a much smaller monthly housing payment. The distance is a drawback, though, since Tennessee is much farther from California than Nevada, Arizona, or Oregon, making visits to family and friends more involved.

6. Texas

Texas is often part of the conversation about Californians leaving the state, though its ranking can vary depending on whether the figures measure total moves or migration rates. Austin, Dallas, Houston, and their surrounding suburbs continue to attract people from California.

Lower home prices in many areas, larger properties, and the absence of a state individual income tax are among the reasons people give for moving. Texas isn’t inexpensive everywhere, though, and property taxes, rising housing costs in major cities, and intense summer heat are all things newcomers need to factor into their plans.

7. Washington

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

Washington also has no state individual income tax, which can be a draw for some households. Housing around Seattle can still be expensive, so the move isn’t automatically a way to cut costs; employment opportunities, outdoor recreation, and proximity to California may matter just as much.

8. Utah

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

Former Californians often say they wanted more space for their money. Utah’s housing costs have climbed, so it isn’t the bargain it once was, but buyers may still find homes within their budgets that would be much harder to afford in parts of California.

9. Florida

Florida gets plenty of attention as a destination for people leaving expensive states, though it ranks below several Western states among Californians moving away. Retirees are a large part of its appeal, while families and remote workers may also be drawn to the warm climate and lack of a state individual income tax.

There are costs that can catch newcomers off guard, including home insurance, hurricane risks, humidity, and rising housing prices. For some former Californians, the change in lifestyle is still worth considering, but the financial side deserves a close look before making the move.

10. Wyoming

Wyoming saw more Californians move in during the pandemic, particularly remote workers who had the freedom to leave larger cities. The state offers open space, smaller communities, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

For people tired of crowded neighborhoods and expensive housing, that can be a welcome change. Pandemic-era migration has slowed from its peak, but Wyoming still appeals to people who want more room and a quieter way of life.

Why So Many Californians Are Considering a Move

Housing costs are a major part of the story. California has plenty to offer, but buying a home can feel out of reach for households earning decent incomes, especially in the state’s most expensive cities.

Rent can also take up a large share of a monthly paycheck. Add groceries, utilities, transportation, and gasoline, and there may be very little left for savings or other goals.

The California Policy Lab report found that people who leave the state tend to have some financial differences from those who stay. Former residents were more likely to have higher student debt, lower credit scores, and lower rates of homeownership.

Moving somewhere less expensive won’t fix every financial problem, but it can change what a household can afford each month. For some people, that means having a better chance of buying a home, paying down debt, or putting money aside.

The continued interest in moving out of California comes down to a fairly simple concern: people want their income to cover more of their lives. For many former residents, leaving isn’t necessarily about disliking California; it’s about finding a place where the cost of living feels more manageable.