Leaving California

Cons of Living in Cali

California has long been seen as the land of opportunity. With its iconic beaches, booming tech hubs, and world-class entertainment, millions have dreamed of calling the Golden State home. But in 2025, a growing number of people are packing up and moving out—or expressing regret about having moved in the first place.

Why the change? What’s behind this reverse migration? From skyrocketing living costs to lifestyle dissatisfaction, there are several key factors driving this major population shift.

1. Soaring Cost of Living

One of the most cited reasons for leaving California is the cost of living. In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, housing prices continue to rise at rates far exceeding the national average. As of 2025, the median home price in many urban centers is over $850,000, pricing out many first-time buyers and middle-income families.

Even those who rent are feeling the squeeze. Apartment prices have hit record highs, with average one-bedroom units going for $2,800–$3,500 per month in major metros. Add in high gas prices, expensive groceries, and above-average utility costs, and it's easy to see why many residents feel financially trapped.

2. High Taxes and Regulatory Burdens

California is also known for its high state income tax, currently topping out at 13.3%, the highest in the nation. Business owners, retirees, and high-income earners are particularly impacted. In 2025, many small business owners and freelancers cite excessive regulation and tax burdens as key reasons for relocating to states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona, where there’s no state income tax and a friendlier business climate.

Additionally, property taxes, car registration fees, and sales taxes all contribute to a feeling of over-taxation—especially when residents question whether they’re getting value in return.

3. Crime and Public Safety Concerns

Crime rates in California's biggest cities have seen fluctuations, but concerns about safety remain a recurring theme. In areas like Oakland, parts of Los Angeles, and San Francisco, rising reports of property crime, homelessness, and public drug use have created unease among residents.

While crime statistics may not always reflect drastic year-over-year increases, the perception of deteriorating public safety has become a real issue for families and individuals alike. Many cite a lack of visible law enforcement, soft-on-crime policies, and slow emergency response times as factors driving them to seek safer communities elsewhere.

4. Homelessness Crisis

The homelessness crisis in California is not new—but it’s growing more visible. In 2025, tent cities, RV encampments, and individuals living on sidewalks are part of daily life in many urban areas. Efforts to address the crisis have seen limited success, and frustration is mounting among residents who feel their quality of life is suffering.

The situation also contributes to mental health and sanitation concerns, particularly in downtown areas. Many residents who once loved their city now say they feel helpless, unheard, and ready to move somewhere that feels cleaner and more manageable.

5. Overcrowding and Traffic Woes

California is notorious for its traffic congestion—and despite efforts to improve infrastructure and public transportation, commute times remain long and frustrating. In cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, drivers can spend hours a day stuck on congested freeways.

Combine this with a growing population, packed school districts, and crowded public spaces, and many Californians find themselves dreaming of life in smaller, more navigable towns in states like Idaho, Utah, or North Carolina.

6. Remote Work = New Freedom

Thanks to the normalization of remote work, thousands of professionals are no longer tied to expensive cities for employment. With tech companies and other white-collar employers now supporting hybrid or fully remote work policies, Californians are re-evaluating where they want to live.

Why pay top dollar to live in San Francisco when you can work from a spacious home in Austin, Phoenix, or Nashville? Remote work is empowering people to maximize their income, space, and lifestyle—often outside the Golden State.

7. Regret After Moving In

Interestingly, not everyone is leaving California—some are still moving in, drawn by the weather, culture, or job opportunities. But by 2025, there’s a growing trend of buyer’s remorse among newcomers.

Common complaints include:

• “I didn’t realize just how expensive everything was.”

• “I thought I could make it work, but I’m living paycheck to paycheck.”

• “Traffic is worse than I imagined.”

• “I miss the community feel of my old city.”

• “It’s beautiful, but not worth the financial pressure.”

Many newcomers are discovering that California’s lifestyle isn’t always worth the premium price tag—especially when the day-to-day reality doesn’t match the dream they envisioned.

8. Better Quality of Life Elsewhere

Ultimately, one of the most powerful forces behind this migration trend is the pursuit of a better quality of life. People want more space, lower stress, cleaner air, affordable housing, safer streets, and stronger communities.

Cities like Austin, Dallas, Boise, Tampa, and Charlotte are gaining popularity by offering just that. They may not have the Pacific Ocean, but they offer:

• Lower costs

• Family-friendly neighborhoods

• Lower crime

• Booming economies

• A sense of optimism and growth

For many Californians, the grass really is greener on the other side.

9. What Does the Future Hold?

Will this exodus continue?

According to moving company data and census reports, California is still losing more residents than it gains—a trend that started in the early 2020s and shows no signs of slowing in 2025. Unless drastic improvements are made in affordability, public safety, and infrastructure, more people may choose to leave.

However, California still has plenty to offer:

• World-class universities

• Natural beauty from coastlines to mountains

• Cultural diversity and innovation hubs

Whether the state can rebalance its affordability and livability challenges remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

Leaving California is no longer an uncommon choice. It's a movement.

While the state remains iconic and inspiring, 2025 has become a tipping point for many residents. The high cost of living, tax pressure, and urban challenges are pushing people to reconsider their futures—and often, those futures are unfolding in other states.

Whether you're considering leaving, moving in, or simply observing the trends, one thing is clear: California's image is evolving. For many, the dream is no longer the destination—it’s the decision to start fresh somewhere new.

Need help relocating or selling your home in California?
Our team at VIP Realty can connect you with top-rated agents, relocation services, and digital marketing tools to help you make the most of your move—whether you're heading out of California or just getting started elsewhere.