1. California
California is famously expensive, and many locals feel like their paychecks just aren’t keeping up. Tech hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles have high wages on paper, but rent and housing costs often swallow most of that. People are leaving in search of states where the dollar stretches further. It’s not just young professionals—families are looking for stability too.
Even middle-class workers are noticing the squeeze, especially with taxes and healthcare costs climbing. Many are moving inland or out of state entirely, chasing affordability. Cities like Sacramento and Fresno see smaller numbers leaving, but the trend is real across the state. For those stuck in high-cost metro areas, the math just doesn’t add up anymore.
2. New York
New York City’s fast pace and high costs can make salaries feel stagnant. Even when wages rise slightly, rent, groceries, and taxes often rise faster. Residents are relocating to states with lower costs of living and no state income tax. Buffalo and Rochester see some outflow too, though the bulk comes from downstate.
Job opportunities aren’t enough to offset the expense of living, and commuting hours add stress. Many young professionals are choosing nearby states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or even Florida. The pandemic accelerated this trend as remote work made leaving more feasible. People want to earn enough to enjoy life without stretching every paycheck.
3. Illinois
Illinois has been losing residents for years, mainly because of high taxes and stagnant wages. Even if someone has a decent job in Chicago, property taxes and cost of living make it hard to save. Many are moving to Indiana or Missouri where housing is cheaper. The flight isn’t just urban—it’s suburban and rural areas too.
The state struggles with a budget deficit, which impacts services and infrastructure. Businesses are cautious about expanding, limiting new opportunities. For workers, this means wages don’t rise as fast as expenses. People are leaving for states that promise more financial breathing room.
4. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, wages in many sectors haven’t kept up with inflation, especially outside Philly. Pittsburgh and smaller towns have decent jobs, but the pay often lags behind the rising costs of utilities and healthcare. Families are exploring Ohio, West Virginia, and other neighboring states. This migration is more noticeable among younger workers.
Rural areas also feel the pinch, as factories close or relocate. Jobs that remain often don’t provide enough to cover modern living costs. Pennsylvania has pockets of growth, but it’s uneven. Those who can move are seeking higher-paying opportunities with lower expenses.
5. Ohio
Ohioans are leaving cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati because wages haven’t risen much in decades. Even skilled workers find that salary growth is slow compared to inflation. Housing may be cheaper than in coastal states, but stagnant wages make financial progress frustrating. People are moving to states like Texas or Florida for better earning potential.
The cost of living might be moderate, but healthcare and taxes add pressure. Young professionals often feel trapped in low-growth industries. When remote work opened doors to other states, many took advantage. Ohio’s economy hasn’t been dynamic enough to retain talent.
6. Michigan
Michigan has seen a steady outflow of residents, particularly from cities like Detroit and Flint. The state’s manufacturing sector, once a major employer, has declined, leading to job losses. While some areas have experienced economic development, wages have not rebounded to previous levels. This stagnation has prompted many to seek opportunities in other states.
The cost of living in Michigan remains relatively low, but so do wages. Despite efforts to diversify the economy, many residents feel that their earning potential is limited. As a result, individuals are moving to states with more robust job markets and higher wages. This trend reflects broader economic challenges facing the state.
7. New Jersey
New Jersey has experienced a notable net migration loss, with many residents moving to states like Florida and Pennsylvania. High property taxes and the cost of living have been significant factors driving this trend. Despite proximity to major metropolitan areas, residents find it increasingly difficult to afford housing and daily expenses. This financial strain has led many to seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere.
The state’s economic growth has been sluggish, with limited job opportunities in certain sectors. Wages have not kept pace with inflation, further exacerbating financial challenges. As a result, individuals and families are relocating to states offering better economic prospects and lower living costs. This migration reflects broader concerns about affordability and economic opportunity.
8. Connecticut
Connecticut has seen a steady decline in population as residents move to states with lower taxes and living costs. High property taxes and the cost of housing have been major contributing factors to this trend. Despite being part of the affluent New York metropolitan area, many find it difficult to maintain their standard of living. This financial pressure has led to increased out-migration.
The state’s economy has faced challenges, with certain industries experiencing slow growth. Wages have not risen significantly, making it harder for residents to keep up with rising expenses. As a result, individuals are seeking opportunities in states that offer more financial stability and affordability. This shift reflects broader economic concerns within the state.
9. Maryland
Maryland boasts high median household incomes and low unemployment rates, yet it faces economic stagnation. Despite leading the nation in several key economic indicators, the state’s economic growth has been stagnant since 2017. Private sector job growth remains sluggish, and labor force participation has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. These factors contribute to a sense of economic uncertainty among residents.
High housing costs and a constrained labor supply have further exacerbated the situation. Many residents are moving to states with lower living costs and more robust job markets. This migration trend highlights the challenges Maryland faces in retaining its workforce. As a result, the state is experiencing a net migration loss as residents seek better economic opportunities elsewhere.
10. Vermont
Vermont experienced a surge of newcomers during the Covid-19 pandemic, attracted by remote work opportunities. However, this influx has reversed, with the state now losing more residents than it gains. Housing shortages and high costs have deterred many from settling in the state. Additionally, reduced remote work and calls back to urban offices have contributed to this trend.
The state’s low fertility rates and rapidly aging population compound its demographic challenges. Efforts to increase housing development and offer economic incentives have had limited success. As a result, Vermont faces difficulties in retaining and attracting young, working-age residents. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for other rural areas facing similar issues.
11. Oregon
Oregon has experienced negative net migration, indicating more people are leaving the state than arriving. High housing costs and limited job opportunities have been significant factors contributing to this trend. Despite its natural beauty and quality of life, many residents find it challenging to afford living expenses. This financial strain has led to increased out-migration.
The state’s economy has faced challenges, with certain industries experiencing slow growth. Wages have not kept pace with inflation, making it harder for residents to maintain their standard of living. As a result, individuals are relocating to states offering better economic prospects and lower living costs. This migration pattern reflects broader economic concerns within Oregon.
12. Washington
Washington has seen a decline in its net migration rate, with more people leaving the state than moving in. High housing costs and taxes have been major contributing factors to this trend. Despite a strong tech sector, many residents find it difficult to afford living expenses. This financial pressure has led to increased out-migration.
The state’s economy has experienced uneven growth, with certain regions benefiting more than others. Wages have not risen significantly in some sectors, making it challenging for residents to keep up with rising costs. As a result, individuals are seeking opportunities in states that offer more affordable living conditions and better economic prospects. This shift reflects broader economic disparities within Washington.
13. Minnesota
Minnesota has experienced a steady outflow of residents, particularly from rural areas. High taxes and a challenging job market have been significant factors driving this trend. Despite a strong education system and quality of life, many find it difficult to afford living expenses. This financial strain has led many to seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere.
The state’s economy has faced challenges, with certain industries experiencing slow growth. Wages have not kept pace with inflation, making it harder for residents to maintain their standard of living. As a result, individuals are relocating to states offering better economic opportunities and lower living costs. This migration pattern reflects broader economic concerns within Minnesota.
14. Maine
Maine has seen a decline in its population due to out-migration, particularly among younger residents. High housing costs and limited job opportunities have been major contributing factors to this trend. Despite its natural beauty and quality of life, many find it challenging to afford living expenses. This financial pressure has led to increased out-migration.
The state’s economy has faced challenges, with certain industries experiencing slow growth. Wages have not risen significantly, making it harder for residents to keep up with rising costs. As a result, individuals are seeking opportunities in states that offer more affordable living conditions and better economic prospects. This shift reflects broader economic concerns within Maine.
15. Nevada
Nevada has seen an influx of residents over the past decade, but rising housing costs and stagnant wages are causing some to leave. Las Vegas and Reno are popular, yet living costs have increased faster than paychecks. Many locals are moving to neighboring states like Idaho and Arizona for more affordability. This is especially true for middle-income earners.
The job market is strong in certain sectors, like tourism, but wages in other industries have lagged behind inflation. Residents are finding it hard to save or buy homes. The state’s growth is uneven, prompting some to seek financial stability elsewhere. Nevada’s trend reflects the challenge of balancing booming populations with affordable living.
16. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has high-paying jobs in Boston and Cambridge, but high taxes and housing costs strain wages. Even with strong educational and tech sectors, many residents struggle to save. Professionals and families alike are exploring more affordable options in nearby states or further afield. The high cost of childcare and healthcare adds to the burden.
Wage growth in other parts of the state hasn’t kept pace with living expenses. Remote work options have allowed residents to move while keeping their jobs. This flexibility has accelerated out-migration for those seeking financial relief. Massachusetts’ challenges highlight how even high-income states aren’t immune to affordability pressures.
This post 16 States Where Locals Are Leaving Because Wages Haven’t Changed in Decades was first published on American Charm.
