When it comes to the most stressful times of your life, moving is up there with getting divorced, losing your job, or having a death in the family. And it makes sense — there are so many potential issues and problems to deal with.
So if someone is moving out of state, there’s probably a good reason motivating them. Here are the top states that people are moving out of — and the top 10 states that they’re moving into.
People are moving out of the following ten states at the highest rates.
New Hampshire has a lot going for it — but for some reason, people cannot see it. The Granite State had a negative 34.3% net moving loss in 2024. And the worst part? They probably had to pay more than they bargained for. The average cost of moving is $507 — more than $100 higher than the national average.
Our nation’s capital is a beautiful city, full of historic museums and the heart of the country’s political landscape. It’s also one of the top places people are fleeing — with a 24.8% net population loss. The good news for those leaving D.C.? The average cost of moving is slightly lower than the national average, at $333.
Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico unfortunately isn’t enchanting for everyone. There was a 21.2% negative drop in those moving there — one of the highest drops in the country. Another downside is that the average cost of moving is $563, more than $150 higher than the national average.
The Copper State is a popular vacation spot, but it’s no longer a top place for people to live. Instead, Arizona has become a state that people are fleeing, with a 21% net loss in residents. For those looking to move, there’s good news. The average moving cost is $378, which is lower than the national average.
A popular locale for those who love being outdoors, Montana is full of natural beauty. But living in one of the least populated states isn’t for everyone. In 2024, Big Sky Country experienced a 20.8% net loss in residents.
Oklahoma had a 20.2% net loss in residents. Fortunately, for those leaving the Sooner State, moving costs aren’t too bad, with a $391 state-wide average. This is just a little bit under the $400 national average.
Connecticut is known for its high cost of living, which may be one reason people are leaving the Constitution State. The average cost of moving is $398, which is right about the national average.
If people from the Maryland/D.C. metro area are leaving, there must be something in the air. Maryland saw a 14.8% decrease in net residents. At least the average cost of moving in the Free State is only $392, just shy of the national average.
John Denver sang wistfully about West Virginia. However, it doesn’t seem like people nowadays share those sentiments. The Mountain State saw a 14.6% decline in net residents. Moving from West Virginia costs $448 on average, almost $50 more than the national average.
Tied with West Virginia with an average net loss of 14.6%, Utah isn’t bringing in more residents any time soon. Another knock against the Beehive State is that the average moving cost is $505, more than $100 higher than the national average.
Here are the states where people are moving to in the greatest numbers (though not necessarily from the previous ten states).
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many New Englanders flocked to the Green Mountain State, likely for its beautiful foliage and peaceful vibes. Unfortunately, they probably paid a hefty moving fee — the average moving cost is $846 in Vermont.
Delaware is another popular Mid-Atlantic state for people looking to shake things up. As one of the least populated states, the First State had a 37.1% net gain in population. However, the cost of moving is slightly higher, at $466.
It’s no wonder why people want to move to Hawaii — the beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and tropical environment. The Aloha State had a 20.4% net gain in new residents. Whether you’re excited to surf the waves or enjoy year-round sunshine, you’ll love living in Hawaii.
If you love hiking or living near the beach, moving to Oregon might be in your future. The typical cost of moving to the Beaver State is about average, at $459.
Known as the Peach State, Georgia must be a sweet place to live. How else would you explain a 15.6% increase in net residents? Another highlight is that moving there only costs $398 on average, which is just below the national benchmark.
Unless you live in North Dakota, you may not understand why people have been moving there in droves. The low cost of living, as well as low unemployment, could be two major reasons. The Flickertail State saw an almost 15% net increase in new residents.
Whether people are looking for more solitude or snow in the Last Frontier, Alaska was a surprisingly popular destination in 2024. The state saw a 14.7% net gain in residents.
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Missouri may be an afterthought for those living on the coasts. But that wasn’t the case in 2024 when it saw a 13.9% increase in residents. It probably doesn’t hurt that the average cost of moving is only $417, barely above the national average.
The Cornhusker State has the honor of making the top 10 states with the highest net moving gains, at 13.6%. The only downside is that moving in Nebraska costs $531, while the national average is only about $400. Still, the low cost of living should make up for the difference.
