This post 10 States Americans Are Leaving Behind as the Cost of Living Changes first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
The modern American moving story is no longer just about chasing a dream. For many people, it starts with a spreadsheet: comparing housing costs, insurance bills, taxes, commuting time, family needs, and whether their current location still makes financial sense.
People are not necessarily leaving places because they dislike them. Many are making difficult decisions about whether they can still afford the lifestyle they want. High housing costs, rising expenses, climate concerns, remote work flexibility, and retirement plans are reshaping where Americans believe they can build a comfortable future.
These states are not “emptying out,” and every move has a personal reason behind it. But based on net domestic migration and moving-company trends, these are some of the places seeing notable outbound movement.
California
California remains one of America’s most desirable states for jobs, weather, culture, and opportunity. But it also recorded the largest net domestic migration loss between July 2024 and June 2025, with about 229,077 more residents leaving for other states than arriving from them.
For many residents, the issue is not whether California offers opportunities; it does. The question is whether housing costs, taxes, insurance, and everyday expenses leave enough room to enjoy them.
New York
New York continues to attract people for careers, culture, and access to some of the country’s biggest economic centers. Yet the state experienced a net domestic migration loss of about 137,586 residents in the latest estimates.
High housing costs, taxes, long commutes, and the challenge of finding more space can encourage some residents to look elsewhere. For many, leaving New York is not about giving up on opportunity; it is about finding a better balance between income and expenses.
New Jersey
New Jersey has long offered strong schools, proximity to major cities, and desirable communities. But it also topped United Van Lines’ 2025 outbound ranking, with 62.3% of tracked interstate moves leaving the state.
The reasons often come down to cost. High property taxes, housing prices, and overall living expenses can make some residents wonder whether staying close to major job centers is worth the financial tradeoff.
Related: The 6 Worst Places to Retire in America
Illinois
Illinois presents a more complicated picture. It has major advantages, including Chicago’s culture, universities, transportation, and relatively lower housing costs compared with some coastal markets. Yet the state still saw a net domestic migration loss of roughly 40,017 residents and ranked near the bottom of U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index.
Residents leaving Illinois cite a mix of concerns, including taxes, weather, job changes, retirement decisions, and family moves. The story is not simply about cost, it is about whether people feel confident building their future there.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts remains a center for education, healthcare, technology, and professional opportunities. But those advantages come with a major challenge: the cost of living, especially housing.
The state lost around 27,480 residents through net domestic migration and ranked among the lower-performing states in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index. For some residents, the appeal of lower-cost regions has become difficult to ignore.
Maryland
Maryland offers access to major employment hubs, especially around the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas. But that convenience can come with expensive housing, taxes, and commuting challenges.
United Van Lines data showed Maryland had more outbound than inbound moves in 2025, with 52.4% of tracked moves leaving the state. For some residents, remote work and changing priorities have made lower-cost alternatives more attractive.
Related: 12 Most Controversial States in America
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is often viewed as a more affordable alternative to nearby states, but it still ranked 44th in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index.
The reasons people leave vary widely. Some seek warmer weather, retirement-friendly locations, or new opportunities, while others move because of personal circumstances rather than a single financial issue.
Connecticut
Connecticut offers strong communities, access to the Northeast, and proximity to major cities. But high property taxes, housing costs, and general expenses have encouraged some residents to explore other options.
The state ranked 42nd in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index, reflecting more outbound movement among the company’s customers than inbound growth.
Colorado
Colorado was once one of the country’s most popular destinations for people seeking outdoor lifestyles, space, and a fresh start. But the state has faced a different challenge: becoming expensive enough that some residents are now leaving.
Housing costs, rising expenses in popular areas, traffic, and changing expectations have caused some residents to reconsider whether the lifestyle still fits their budget.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s story is different from states like California or New York. It ranked fourth among United Van Lines’ top outbound states in 2025, but the reasons are less about expensive coastal living.
Weather, distance, job diversity, family changes, and the search for different opportunities can all influence decisions to move. Sometimes people leave because they want a different lifestyle, not simply a cheaper one.
Conclusion
The biggest migration trend in America is not simply about finding the lowest-cost state. It is about finding a place where the entire equation works: housing, work, family, weather, insurance, taxes, and quality of life.
People are not always leaving because they hate where they live. They are often leaving because the numbers no longer match the life they want. The new American relocation story is less about chasing perfection and more about searching for a place where the future feels possible.
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