Quick answer
If you are leaving California, start your research with Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida. Each shows population growth and a lower median home value than California's $721,700 across top-scoring places in the app.
| Metric | California | Texas | Oklahoma | North Carolina | Indiana | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $721,700 | $355,250 | $228,550 | $437,150 | $312,150 | $434,050 |
| Median rent | $2,338/mo | $1,877/mo | $1,242/mo | $1,706/mo | $1,347/mo | $1,973/mo |
| Household income | $134,923 | $128,573 | $82,303 | $120,364 | $111,392 | $111,826 |
| Population change | +1.4% | +6.6% | +2.0% | +2.9% | +1.9% | +3.0% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 435 | 349 | 412 | 331 | 300 | 248 |
| Home value ÷ income | 5.3× | 2.8× | 2.8× | 3.6× | 2.8× | 3.9× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Compare take-home pay after state income tax in both places.
- 2Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 3Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 4Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 5Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 6Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
- 7Line up a job or client base before you sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions
Want California Weather Without California Housing Costs?
If you are leaving California, start your research with Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida. Each shows population growth and a lower median home value than California's $721,700 across top-scoring places in the app.
What are the best places to live in California?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring California cities are El Dorado Hills, Mountain House, North Tustin, Eastvale, Folsom, and the top counties are Placer County, El Dorado County, Inyo County, Nevada County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes, California taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
