Retirees Are Moving Out of These States in Large Numbers — and Choosing These 6 Destinations Instead

For years, Americans have been leaving pricey states for places where daily life costs less. What started as a pandemic-era shift has become a more lasting trend.

Census figures, along with moving-industry research, show that high-cost states are among the country’s biggest losses when it comes to outbound movers.

For retirees trying to stretch their savings, the decision increasingly comes down to simple economics. Here’s where older Americans are leaving from — and where they’re heading next.

1. California

California continues to rank as one of the largest sources of outbound migration in the U.S.

According to the latest IRS data available, the state lost about $11.9 billion in adjusted gross income through domestic migration and also recorded the nation’s largest net population decline, at 254,332 residents.

Taxes and housing costs are a major part of the story. California taxes most retirement income, and home prices remain among the highest in the country.

2. New Jersey

New Jersey is another frequent name near the top of outbound migration lists.

United Van Lines says 62% of moves involving New Jersey in 2025 were outbound.

For many residents, the financial math is tough. The state offers strong public services and good health care, but high property taxes and an elevated cost of living make it harder for retirement income to go far.

3. Illinois

Illinois has also remained a steady net loser of residents in recent years.

Although outbound migration became somewhat more balanced in 2025, United Van Lines still found more people leaving than arriving. Retirees often cite high property taxes, income taxes, and rising housing costs.

Many departing residents are looking for places where housing, insurance, and taxes take a smaller bite out of their retirement income.

4. Connecticut

Connecticut faces many of the same pressures as New Jersey and Illinois.

Even though the state consistently scores well for health care and overall quality of life, it continues to struggle to attract new residents. MoveBuddha’s latest September data shows Connecticut had only 0.51 inbound move searches for every outbound search, the lowest ratio in the country. That means people were nearly twice as likely to look for a move out of Connecticut as into it. The figure was down from 0.67 the previous year.

High taxes, costly housing, and rising insurance expenses are making it harder for retirement savings to last.

5. Louisiana

Louisiana is still seeing a substantial outflow of residents.

Atlas Van Lines’ 2025 study found that 66% of moves involving Louisiana were outbound, the highest rate in the study.

Housing affordability is a major factor. Insurance is expensive in hurricane-prone areas, and the state continues to have the nation’s highest concentration of seriously underwater mortgages. ATTOM’s second-quarter 2026 report found that 10.3% of mortgaged residential properties in Louisiana owed at least 25% more than their estimated market value, the highest rate in any state. Four parishes ranked among the state’s highest for underwater mortgages: Jefferson Davis, De Soto, Webster, and Avoyelles.

Where are people going instead?

1. Florida

Florida remains the dominant retirement destination, even though higher costs have cooled some of the momentum.

An analysis of Census Bureau data found that Florida posted a net gain of 44,504 retirees in 2025, after 143,378 adults age 60 and older moved in and 98,874 moved out.

It is still the top retirement destination in the country, but the state is not the same bargain it once was. Home prices remain elevated, and homeowners insurance is expensive. Bankrate’s June 2026 home insurance analysis found that Florida homeowners pay an average of $5,838 a year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. That is more than double the national average of $2,424, making Florida the third-most-expensive state for homeowners insurance.

Concerns about climate, traffic, and rising everyday expenses have led some retirees to reconsider. Even so, no other state draws as many older Americans.

2. South Carolina

If Florida is still the retirement leader, South Carolina has become one of its fastest-rising rivals.

MoveBuddha’s latest September data showed 1.51 inbound move searches for every outbound search in South Carolina, down from 2.02 earlier in the year. The Myrtle Beach area posted a 1.71 inbound-to-outbound ratio, suggesting continued interest from newcomers.

Affordability is a big part of the appeal. South Carolina offers relatively low housing costs, lower property taxes, and more manageable everyday expenses. More than one-third of inbound movers were over age 65, while another 32.2% were between 55 and 64.

3. Texas

Texas remains one of the country’s biggest migration magnets, though its rapid growth has eased.

MoveBuddha’s first-quarter data showed the state’s inbound-to-outbound moving search ratio fell to 1.22, down from a high of 1.68 in 2021. That means Texas attracted about 122 searches for moves in for every 100 searches for moves out, ranking 17th nationwide among inbound destinations.

Even with slower growth, Texas still appeals to retirees because it has no state income tax and offers pockets of relatively affordable housing.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina remains one of the strongest destinations for movers.

United Van Lines reported that 57.8% of moves to North Carolina were inbound in 2025, showing broad demand that has lasted beyond the pandemic-era surge. Retirees are drawn to the state’s mix of affordable housing, mild weather, expanding health care systems, and scenic landscapes. It offers many of Florida’s benefits without the same price tag.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee is also a popular choice for retirement relocations.

A North American Moving Services analysis found that Tennessee has ranked among the top inbound migration states every year since 2020. Nashville, in particular, attracts newcomers seeking lower costs in a place with strong economic growth and urban amenities.

The absence of a state income tax is another major reason the state appeals to fixed-income retirees.

6. Idaho

Idaho stands out as one of the nation’s biggest migration success stories.

MoveBuddha’s latest September data ranked Idaho No. 1 nationally among inbound destinations, with an in-to-out moving search ratio of 1.81. That means the state drew 181 searches for moves in for every 100 searches for moves out. Much of that demand has come from households leaving more expensive neighboring states such as California and Washington.

Although Idaho is no longer the bargain it was several years ago, many retirees still see it as more affordable than the states they are leaving behind. Outdoor recreation, lower taxes, and less congestion add to the appeal.

Bottom line

Retirement migration is increasingly about avoiding high taxes and unaffordable living costs, not just escaping cold weather. Those savings can help older Americans make their benefits go further.

The trend appears to be strengthening. MoveBuddha expects Alaska, Idaho, South Carolina, Maine, and Arkansas to post the strongest inbound-to-outbound migration ratios by the end of the year, with Alaska projected to attract nearly 2.5 newcomers for every resident who leaves.

Climate and lifestyle still matter, but retirees increasingly seem to be approaching relocation the same way they approach other major financial decisions: by following the numbers.

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