California's exodus isn't just billionaires - it's regular people renting U-Hauls, too

"U-Haul's survey of the more than 2.5 million one-way trips using its vehicles in the U.S. last year showed that the gap between the number of people leaving and the number arriving was higher in California than in any other state. While the Golden State also attracts a large number of newcomers, it has had the biggest net outflow for six years in a row."

"California experienced a net outflow of U-Haul users with an in-migration of 49.4%, and those leaving of 50.6%. Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Illinois also rank among the bottom five on the index. U-Haul didn't speculate on the reasons California continues to top the ranking. "We continue to find that life circumstances - marriage, children, a death in the family, college, jobs and other events - dictate the need for most moves," John Taylor, U-Haul International president, said in a press statement."

U-Haul's one-way trip data covering more than 2.5 million moves shows California with the highest gap between departures and arrivals among states. The state has recorded the biggest net outflow for six consecutive years, though it also draws many newcomers. Top destinations for people leaving are Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Texas. California's in-migration measured 49.4% compared with 50.6% leaving. Life circumstances such as marriage, children, a death in the family, college and jobs drive many moves. Demographers identify cost of living and housing affordability as leading reasons for leaving. Net outflow in 2025 was smaller than in 2024.

Read at Los Angeles Times