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California Population to Decline as Households Seek Value

Higher costs of living may drive hundreds of thousands of residents to move to lower-cost states through 2050.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Regional Economics

Isometric editorial illustration showing a lone moving truck and a single cardboard box on a generic road, representing domestic migration.
Projections indicate California could see a population decline of 760,000 by 2050 as households move to more affordable states like Texas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you consider moving to a different state to find more affordable housing and living costs?

New projections suggest California could lose 760,000 residents between 2025 and 2050. During this period, other states like Texas are expected to see significant growth as households seek more affordable living options.

Why it matters

The shift highlights how regional disparities in cost of living, housing affordability, and tax structures influence where American households choose to settle. These migration patterns are reshaping the economic landscape of states across the nation.

By 2050, California is projected to lose 760,000 residents, while Texas is expected to grow by 10.4 million people. In 2023 alone, over 100,000 Californians moved to Texas, a state that notably imposes no state income tax.

The details

Migration between states is largely driven by differences in the cost of living and the availability of affordable housing. Many individuals also report that peer influence on social media helps identify new relocation opportunities. Texas remains a popular destination, particularly for those seeking to avoid state income taxes and lower their overall housing expenses.

Timeline

  1. In 2014, 58,109 Gen Z adults left California.

  2. The 2020-2021 period saw a particularly rapid pace of migration.

  3. During 2023, more than 100,000 Californians moved to Texas.

  4. Population projections for California span from 2025 to 2050.

Money Landscape

These long-term shifts in state populations follow the migration trends established by recent U.S. Census Bureau data. The data illustrates a move away from high-cost states toward regions offering lower tax burdens and more manageable housing costs.

If you are considering a move to another state, compare the total cost of living, including potential state income tax differences and local housing prices. Discuss your relocation plans with a qualified financial or tax professional to understand how a change in residence affects your overall budget.

The takeaway

Population trends confirm that cost-of-living differences remain a major catalyst for household movement across the country. Consider reviewing your local housing market and state tax exposure as part of your annual financial planning conversation with a professional.

Further reading

For more on shifting state demographics, see our Regional Economics section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.

Live Poll

Would you consider moving to a different state to find more affordable housing and living costs?