With about 173 Californians moving to Arizona every day, the state is quickly becoming one of the West’s hottest relocation hubs. In the last decade, over 630,000 Californians—roughly the size of Tucson’s population— have made Arizona their new home. So, with this California exodus in full effect, where are these Californians settling, and what’s drawing them in? 

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Our StorageCafe research team ranked the 50 most popular routes from California to Arizona, analyzing the California exodus and factors like home and rent price differences, homeownership rates, income levels, and generational demographics.

Major Draws

  • With home prices averaging $321,000—nearly half of California’s $659,000—Arizona offers a far more attainable path to homeownership.
  • Renters also benefit, saving an average of 30% as Arizona apartments come at a fraction of California’s prices.
  • Plus, Arizona’s income tax rate is just 2.5%, a stark contrast to California’s 13.3%, offering newcomers significant financial relief.

Who’s Moving?

  • Millennials: Leading the way, millennials make up 26% of newcomers, with about 17,500 people relocating annually.
  • Gen Z: Close behind, Gen Z accounts for 20% of the migration, bringing in around 13,500 new residents each year.
  • Baby Boomers: Representing 18% of movers, roughly 12,000 baby boomers relocate annually, often drawn by Arizona’s affordable retirement options.

Additionally, high-income Californians are leaving Silicon Valley and L.A. for Arizona’s exclusive areas like Paradise Valley in Maricopa County, attracted by the privacy, luxury, and improved quality of life—at a fraction of California’s costs.

Homebuying Savings on Popular Routes to Arizona

  • Los Angeles to Maricopa County: Nearly 8,700 people relocated to Maricopa County, saving up to $360,000 on home purchases. The area’s strong job market and affordable housing appeal especially to millennials, with 43% achieving homeownership in their first year.
  • San Diego to Maricopa County: Over 5,200 movers, primarily millennials, opted for Maricopa’s affordable homes, averaging $371,000 compared to San Diego’s $725,000. An impressive 54% became homeowners within their first year.
  • Orange County to Maricopa County: More than 4,000 people made the move, saving an average of $500,000 on home purchases. Over half of these new arrivals purchased homes within their first year, attracted by the area’s lower cost of living.