If moving is one of your goals for 2025, proactively and strategically planning each step can help make it a greater success. While you can rely on the best moving companies to transport your belongings to your new home or apartment, each step leading up to that point requires careful consideration.
The research team at This Old House analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the most popular states for those moving. We also conducted a survey to gain insight into why people move and other moving industry trends. Our analysis concludes with moving costs and tips on how to save money when relocating.
Key Takeaways
- Between 2023 and 2024, the U.S. had the highest population growth since 2001, primarily driven by international migration, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
- The average cost to move is $3,020, according to our 2025 survey.
- Florida and Texas are the top states that people are moving to, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- The most common reasons for moving were for a fresh start, affordable housing, and a better sense of safety, according to our 2024 survey.
- While summer is the most popular time to move, winter tends to be the cheapest.
U.S. Moving Statistics and Trends
Since 2001, the U.S. population grew at the fastest rate from 2023 to 2024 due in large part to international migration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Texas (85,267), North Carolina (82,288), and South Carolina (68,043) saw the largest gains from domestic migration. The most significant domestic migration losses occurred in California (239,575), New York (120,917), and Illinois (56,235).
The South is a popular destination for people moving from the Northeast, Midwest, and West parts of the country, according to the results of our 2024 survey of 2,184 respondents. Over half (53%) of people moving from the Northeast went South, in addition to 49% from the Midwest and 38% from the West. An equal percentage (34%) of people moving from the South went to the Northeast and Midwest, respectively.
Moving averages and trend lines varied among generations. New York gained 30,984 Gen Zers, the most out of any state. Los Angeles (29,928), Houston (22,868), Philadelphia (20,100), and Chicago (19,773) also gained a significant influx of Gen Zers.
While New York and Los Angeles gained a younger population, they lost the most residents of older generations. In 2023, 13,667 millennials left New York City, and droves of millennials also left Chicago, Boston, Denver, and Jersey City. Millennials flocked to Jacksonville (7,177), San Diego (6,165), Charlotte (5,965), Houston (5,301), and Phoenix (5,030).
Among Gen Xers, Houston (6,312), Montgomery (3,000), and Aurora (2,422) ranked among the most popular destinations. Both baby boomers (1,567) and the Silent Generation (1,023) favored Mesa, Arizona. Jacksonville (1,676) and Oklahoma City (1,627) rounded out the top three destinations for baby boomers, while New York City (666) and Plano (255) did the same for the Silent Generation.
Moving Costs
The average cost of a move is $3,020, according to our 2025 survey. Local moves cost an average of $1,489, while a long-distance move costs an average of $3,124. Here’s a breakdown of moving costs by home size (number of bedrooms) and move distance.
| Bedrooms | Local | 200–500 miles | 1,700+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,492 | $2,239 | $2,916 |
| 2 | $1,202 | $1,946 | $3,351 |
| 3 | $1,479 | $2,766 | $5,064 |
| 4 | $2,799 | $6,566 | $9,228 |
The average cost of moving between 200 and 500 miles away—one or two states—is $2,703. Compare this to the cost of moving more than 1,700 miles away, which averages $3,945. Moving a house with four bedrooms 1,700 miles or more costs the most, at $9,228.
The moving cost estimates in this article are based on our most recent survey of 1,000 consumers nationwide. The survey assessed customer experiences with various moving providers, pricing trends, and other industry insights. Actual costs may vary by location, timing, and provider.
Top States People Are Moving To
Florida and Texas saw the highest net migration in 2023, according to the Census Bureau. In Florida, more people moved into the state than left it, resulting in a net migration of 429,876 people. Texas’s net migration added 406,083 residents to the state, with North Carolina trailing in third with a net migration of 171,532 people.
The South’s population increased by 1.4% from 2023 to 2024, with nearly 1.8 million people moving to southern states such as Texas and Florida, per the Census Bureau. In fact, Texas and Florida gained the most in terms of population growth, adding 562,941 and 467,347 people, respectively. Florida’s population grew by 2%, second only to the District of Columbia at 2.2%, with Texas bringing up a close third at 1.8%.
In the West, California (232,570 people) and Arizona (109,357 people) had the largest numeric gains, followed by New York (129,881 people) in the Northeast, according to the Census Bureau. Illinois and Ohio had the highest gains in the Midwest, with 67,899 and 59,270 people, respectively. From 2023 to 2024, 47 of the 50 states saw a population increase, with nine states—including Texas, Florida, New York, and California—gaining more than 100,000 people.
Among those who moved in 2024, our 2024 survey of 2,184 respondents shows that 71% stayed within the same region, while 29% moved to a new region. The largest percentage (27%) moved less than 20 miles away from their previous residence, while one in five moved between 100 and 399 miles away. Only 9% of respondents moved 1,000 miles or more away.
Why Are Americans Moving?
A fresh start in life (40%), an affordable house/apartment (34%), and a better sense of safety (31%) were the top three reasons for moving, according to our 2024 survey. Affordability (35%) and a fresh start (32%) were also top reasons among those who moved less than 100 miles from their previous residence, in addition to a larger home (27%). The top three reasons for those moving more than 100 miles away were a fresh start (49%), a new job opportunity (43%), and a better sense of safety (38%).
Among the generations, Gen Z (45%) and Gen X (38%) prioritized a fresh start. Forty-three percent of millennials favored a better sense of safety. Nearly a third (30%) of baby boomers moved to a more affordable house/apartment.
In all regions—the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West—the cost of living ranked first among the aspects that movers disliked about the area. Public safety and job opportunities were also among the top three reasons, except in the Midwest, where weather replaced public safety. Of those who moved due to the cost of living, 43% came from the Northeast.
These reasons for moving coincide with housing (41.6%) and family (26.5%), the two most common influences from 2021–2022, according to the Census Bureau. Upgrading living space still ranked as the most common reason within housing at 14.4%. Wanting to own instead of rent (8.5%) and cheaper housing (7.7%) were also of high priority to people moving.
How To Save Money on Your Move
Moving in winter is typically cheaper than in the summer, when demand is higher due to warmer weather. If you have children, consider moving over the summer or winter break to take advantage of the time off. Moving in the middle of the month and during the week can also help lower moving costs due to decreased demand.
Once you’ve narrowed down a moving time frame, gather quotes to compare services and moving rates. Although cheap moving companies can help you stick to your moving budget, it’s important to balance affordability with value. Use the additional tips below to streamline your next move:
- Create a moving checklist to stay organized.
- Set a realistic moving budget that incorporates everything from packing supplies to meals out as you settle into your new home.
- Start saving for a move at least six months in advance.
- Add to your savings by selling items you don’t want to bring with you on the move.
- Moving insurance can help protect your belongings against loss, theft, and damage, especially if you’re moving long-distance.
If your moving costs exceed your budget, consider cost-friendly alternatives such as renting a truck or asking friends and family for help. Moving your own belongings puts more of the work on your shoulders but also enables you to schedule based on your availability. Alternatively, portable moving containers can streamline packing and unpacking your home for longer-distance moves.
