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Moving Statistics: What US Cities are People Moving to? {2025}

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Feb 16, 2025 • 8 min read
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Moving Statistics: What US Cities are People Moving to? {2025}
Chapters
01
Moving Statistics 
02
Moving Costs 
03
Moving Trends 

Moving Trends and Statistics

Where are people moving to in 2025? Here are the top US states for relocating in 2025 based on average house prices and moving statistics! 

There are many reasons why you might be considering a move. Whether you need to relocate for a job, want a change in scenery, or are looking for an affordable place to buy a house, moving somewhere new is a big decision and will require much consideration, especially if you are moving cross country

No matter where you currently reside, looking at moving trends over the past few years is always a good idea to determine what state is best for you and your family to call home. 

The real estate market is constantly evolving, so if you pay attention to and understand current housing market trends, you can make informed decisions about moving and buying a home

If the cost of living and average house price are essential factors for you when making a moving decision, then you are certainly in the right place. Here are some current trends and statistics in the United States that are shifting the housing market. 

1. Moving Statistics 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, state-to-state movers rose from 7.9 million in 2021 to 8.2 million in 2022. This shows a decade-long trend of state-to-state migration, which is expected to continue to increase even as overall migration numbers decline. 

Between 2021 and 2022, state-to-state movers also made up most of all movers. Some of the most notable migration flows in 2022 were people moving from California to Texas and New York to Florida and New Jersey. 

While there are many reasons for people to move, the most common reason in 2022 was a change in marital status rather than wanting a home or neighborhood improvement. 

family moving into new home with moving boxes

Today, in 2024, most Americans driven to relocate are doing so for affordability, job opportunities, and safety concerns. Most people choosing to move are Gen Z and Millenials who want to find an area with a lower cost of living and affordable housing options. 

Ryan Fitzgerald, Founder of Raleigh Realty, states, "It is important to understand regional nuances regarding affordability. While some states offer attractive entry points into home ownership, others command premium prices for their sought-after amenities and lifestyle offerings." 

Even though affordability may be the number one factor in deciding to move today, especially to another state, it is ideal to find a state that balances lower prices and top-rated amenities. 

If affordability and cheap housing prices are the number one reason for you to consider a move, here are the most affordable U.S. states based on average house prices in 2024: 

U.S. State  Average House Price in 2024 (USD)
1. West Virginia  $152,373
2. Mississippi  $169,792
3. Louisiana  $192,173
4. Kentucky  $192,245
5. Arkansas  $195,502
6. Oklahoma  $196,095
7. Iowa  $205,988
8. Ohio $213,323
9. Kansas  $214,347
10. Alabama  $217,750

Here are the least affordable U.S. states based on average house prices in 2024: 

U.S. State  Average House Price in 2024 (USD)
1. Hawaii  $828,058
2. California  $750,709
3. Massachusetts $586,204
4. Washington  $563,764
5. Colorado  $527,413
6. Utah  $501,653
7. New Jersey  $497,292
8. Oregon  $480,428
9. New York  $450,431
10. New Hampshire  $445,263

In 2022, the South experienced a growth rate of 1.1% over the previous year, making it the fastest-growing region in the United States. Driven mainly by domestic and international migration, more than 1.3 million people moved to Southern states in 2022, and it is still the most populous region in the country today. 

Many Southern states offer cheaper housing prices, a lower cost of living, and a better quality of life, which most Americans look for when relocating to another state. Many of the most affordable states are located in the South, reflected in the above chart of the most affordable U.S. states based on average house prices in 2024. 

It is important to note that more U.S. counties experienced population gains rather than losses in 2023, with the South experiencing the fastest growth and the Northeast and Midwest counties experiencing population losses. 60% of U.S. counties gained population from 2022 to 2023, showing a change in domestic migration patterns. 

While many people decide to move state-to-state today, in 2021, 78% decided to remain in the same state, with 53% moving locally to a new neighborhood. 

couple moving into a new home with moving boxes

2. Moving Costs 

Moving is a big decision mentally and financially, specifically if you are deciding to move on your own and are in charge of moving costs. If you are moving for a job, then sometimes moving costs are covered, but otherwise, driving is an expense, and it is essential to plan out how much money you need to save before packing up your life. 

The most common moving expenses you must consider saving include packing materials, moving truck rental, professional moving services, packing and unpacking services, cleaning services, and moving insurance. 

Moving costs will depend on whether or not you decide to use a moving company and the type of services you choose if you do. According to Forbes, the average cost for professional movers is about $1,400, with the majority being between $800 and $2,500 depending on distance. 

To calculate moving costs, most companies charge based on the hours it takes to get the job done. If you are considering a cross-country move, many movers charge per mile. 

When searching for a reliable moving company, only choose one that is transparent with its pricing. You never want to be blindsided by extra expenses during the moving process, and you need to make sure that the company you hire fits your budget. 

Today, 53% of Americans who moved in 2023 said they were surprised by the high moving costs. Hiring movers is the most considerable expense, and a third of people who moved within the last year claimed that they did not budget correctly for their move and underestimated the total costs associated with moving.

If you are looking to save money on your move, whether locally or long distance, some of the best ways to do so include getting multiple estimates, moving during an off-peak time, asking for a deal, packing strategically, and packing and unpacking yourself without the use of professional help. 

Couple packing boxes and taping them shut during their move

3. Moving Trends 

People decide to move and where for many reasons, but specific trends, which show the most common areas people are moving to and from, are worth paying attention to. 

Between 2021 and 2022, Texas and Florida were the top two states where people moved since they experienced the highest population growth. Texas had a numeric growth of 470,708 people, followed by Florida, with a numeric growth of 416,754. 

In 2024, Texas is still the number one growth state, as it has been for the sixth time in eight years. Not only is Texas home to the most significant number of Fortune 500 companies, which attracts many people to the state for its job opportunities, but it is also highly tax-friendly and ranked number 22 out of the 50 states in the U.S. for affordable housing prices. 

Florida takes the number two spot since it has been a top-four growth state for the past nine years and also offers its residents no state income tax. Florida is ranked 34 out of the 50 U.S. states for affordable housing prices. 

The beautiful state of North Carolina is the third most popular state to move to, and it is ranked 26 out of the 50 states in the U.S. for affordable housing prices. Many people moving to North Carolina choose to relocate to Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle region because of its location to Research Triangle Park, the most extensive research park in the country and home to more than 375 companies

Downtown Raleigh skyline during sunset near the train tracks

Raleigh offers plenty of employment opportunities and a strong economy. Top-rated colleges also surround it, and it is best known for its low cost of living and outdoor recreation.  

While Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are gaining population as more people decide to move, the populations in California and New York continue to decline. California and New York have some of the highest living costs in the country, which is one of the main reasons people are deciding to resettle in other, more affordable areas. 

There has also been a change in immigration, as more immigrants in 2024 opt for smaller cities and states in the South known for warm weather and high quality of life. 

Methodology 

We found the average house price for 2024 per state to uncover the most affordable U.S. states. Data was pulled in March 2024 and is subject to change. We also used data and information from the following sources to determine where people are moving to in 2024: 

City of Raleigh skyline with tall buildings and cars

FAQs 

Where are Americans moving to the most? 

Based on cost of living, housing affordability, and sought-after amenities, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are the most popular states where Americans are moving in 2024. 

What is the cheapest state to live in 2024? 

In terms of affordable house prices, West Virginia is the cheapest state to live in 2024, with an average house price of $152,373, followed by Mississippi, with an average house price of $169,792. 

What is the safest state to live in 2024? 

Not only is Raleigh a safe place to live, but New Hampshire was rated the safest state in America in 2024 in terms of public safety, crime, and corrections. 

Where Are Americans Moving in 2024? - Final Thoughts 

There are many different reasons to move at any given time throughout the year. Still, affordable housing prices, educational opportunities, and low cost of living seem to be the most popular reasons for families, young professionals, and retirees to move in 2024. 

Paying attention to the least and most affordable states, moving trends, and statistics can help you decide whether or not you are making the best moving decision. While West Virginia offers the cheapest housing prices in the country, the top states that people are moving to are Texas, Florida, and North Carolina for their low prices and amenities. 

If you are among the many people deciding to move and want to find your dream home in North Carolina that also fits your budget, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. 

From beautiful single-family homes to new construction, Raleigh and the surrounding area is the perfect place to call home. We are here to help and are prepared to answer your questions. 

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Moving Statistics 
02
Moving Costs 
03
Moving Trends 
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