Americans Are Moving: 10 States They're Going to in 2026 and Why
If you're thinking of a change in scenery, you're not alone.
According to recent data from Move Buddha, South Carolina was the most popular state to move to as of July, with Myrtle Beach leading all cities nationally. The article also said that many of the top 10 inbound states offer a combination of warmer weather, affordable housing options and favorable tax laws.
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MoneyLion consulted with experts to try to determine why Americans are moving to the most desirable of these 10 states and the benefits of living there. This question also included metrics like average cost of living and housing costs.
1. South Carolina
The research said that South Carolina topped the list due to its tax treatment of Social Security income and relatively affordable housing compared to the similar Northeast markets with coastal community access.
“South Carolina moving into position No. 1 is a combination of coastal and affordable living," said Cameron Walker, a real estate agent and manager of Agent Network of Clever Real Estate. "The Charleston area can be accessed through the Summerville area while Myrtle Beach's oceanfront living is available at prices that the Northeast can't compete with."
2. Kansas
Kansas hasn’t historically been featured near the top of the destination rankings, but its statistical presence is largely due to Wichita, as this city offers the most affordable housing prices of any city with 300,000 or more in the nation. The stable job market, due to the aerospace and defense industries, makes this a more popular option for those who can’t afford a larger city.
3. Idaho
Idaho attracts migrants for its lifestyle and space rather than its tax benefit, per Walker.
With Boise emerging as one of the most sought-after midsized cities in the country, housing prices have risen quickly due to the high demand. The state is drawing migrants mainly from the West Coast with its outdoor lifestyle, low density and relatively affordable housing compared to places like Seattle or San Francisco. Since the state has a state income tax, this isn’t a tax-driven move like in Texas or Florida, but rather an issue of affordability and space for West Coast migrants.
4. Florida
Florida has no state income tax and a better climate than the Northeast, which has traditionally attracted people. The data showed that The Villages, Kissimmee, Punta Gorda and Fort Myers ranked among the top 10 most popular destination cities.
Jennifer Thayer, a luxury real estate agent and the founder of Jennifer Thayer Group, said that buyers are looking at the bigger picture by choosing better weather, lower taxes and a lifestyle that feels like an improvement.
She said that insurance costs and flood risk are now part of the conversation, and buyers need to understand both before purchasing. However, she said that even with those considerations, Florida continues to draw people because the combination of lifestyle, opportunity and long-term appeal is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
5. Alabama
While Alabama doesn’t offer any tax breaks for retirees, the overall cost of living is among the lowest in the country. Walker said that a common scenario he’s observed is clients selling a small, expensive home in New Jersey, Connecticut or California and buying a larger home in Alabama for less, with money left over. Alabama has some of the lowest housing prices on this list, whether you're looking to rent or buy.
The Huntsville area has emerged as a hub of the manufacturing and aerospace industries, so people are actually moving to Alabama for career development opportunities in addition to the low cost of living.
6. North Carolina
7. Arkansas
8. Georgia
9. Tennessee
10. Texas
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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