Key takeaways
- 49,500 people moved from California to Nevada in 2023 — enough to populate a town like Whitney, NV.
- California remains the primary source of Nevada’s new residents, accounting for 38% of all newcomers.
- Clark County — which encompasses the Las Vegas metropolitan area — dominates inbound migration, with nine out of the top 10 routes for incoming Californians.
- Movers from California to Nevada earn 8% less than the average income in California but 13% more than the average income in Nevada.
- Real estate affordability is a key driver: Homes in Nevada are approximately 42% cheaper than in California, and rents are about 24% lower. The absence of a state income tax in Nevada also plays a significant role in attracting new residents.
- Californian transplants to Nevada have an average age of 39 years.
- 44% of Californians became homeowners in the first year of residence in the new state.
Californians show no signs of taking Nevada off their relocation radar — even as overall migration has slowed over the past decade. While most outbound residents head to Texas or Arizona, many see Nevada as the next logical move. According to our analysis of the latest migration data, more than 49,500 people relocated from California to Nevada in 2023 alone — the equivalent of an entire city like Whitney, NV, moving in over the course of a single year. That translates into 136 people moving from California to Nevada per day.
Naturally, migration between the two states flows in both directions — but Nevada consistently comes out ahead. Over the last decade, this back-and-forth migration has resulted in a net gain of almost a quarter of a million residents for Nevada.
Interestingly, Nevada’s appeal is broad, attracting a diverse mix of newcomers — not just the high-income earners often cited as driving up competition for housing and services. In fact, many transplants report incomes below the California average. The most represented age group — millennials — earns about $6,000 less than their national peers, with an average income of $53,000 compared to the national millennial average of $59,000.
Many of these California transplants are families, renters and middle-class professionals — people priced out of California but unwilling to give up on the West or the dream of homeownership. They’re drawn by more affordable housing and lower rents but also by job opportunities and a lifestyle that feels familiar.
While the average income of California migrants skews about 8% lower than in their state of origin, it still surpasses Nevada’s typical earnings. The key takeaway? People aren’t fleeing California with bags of cash — they’re arriving in Nevada with spreadsheets and plans. For many, the move simply makes financial sense.
Of course, there’s also the other side of the coin — the outliers who buck the broader trend. One of the busiest routes, from Santa Clara County to Washoe County, is packed with high-earners. These movers bring in an average salary of $129,000 — more than double what their new Nevada neighbors make, and well above California’s own statewide average.
Why are Californians making the move?
For many, making the move starts with a gut feeling: Life in Nevada simply offers more breathing room — bigger homes, larger backyards, extra off-site space thanks to affordable self storage, and real estate that doesn’t break the bank. Las Vegas, in particular, delivers much of what California once promised: opportunity, energy and affordability. It’s a city where ambition still moves fast and small businesses can take root. Add in the sunshine, no state income tax and shorter commutes, and the lifestyle starts to sell itself. And here’s a practical stat that drives it home: Off-site storage is far more accessible in Nevada, with 7.6 square feet of space per person in Las Vegas, for example, compared to just 2.1 square feet in Los Angeles.
Financially, the logic is hard to ignore. A middle-class life in California often demands upper-class income, but in Las Vegas and Reno, that equation shifts back into balance. Families are buying homes without taking on generational debt. Renters are finding places with plenty of square footage and natural light.
Beyond financial considerations, Nevada offers something that’s increasingly rare in California’s denser metros: everyday access to nature, paired with the peace of mind that comes from being less prone to natural disasters. Within minutes of Reno or Las Vegas, you can find yourself in open desert, alpine forests, or standing at the edge of a clear mountain lake. People spend their weekends hiking in the Sierras, camping in the Great Basin, or skiing in Tahoe — all without needing to plan a big escape.
And it’s not just about the outdoors. Cities like Reno have evolved into cultural hubs, boasting vibrant local art scenes, live music, and diverse dining options.
“We love Nevada! It has virtually everything we left in California — and it’s all close by!” says Charlie Basham, who moved with his wife after living in Southern California for 60 years. “We have a vast and beautiful desert dotted with forests, wetlands, and countless mountain ranges. We have Lake Tahoe and the Sierras for hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and winter snowshoeing. The tourist-based industries and casinos provide unlimited entertainment and a wide variety of dining experiences. There’s Old West history and dozens of fun little towns to explore. There’s no state income tax! There are no traffic jams. And in Sparks, there are no forest fires! We’re back in heaven!”
Another draw? California is already woven into Nevada’s DNA. Just 27% of Nevadans were born in-state — and a sizable share of the population hails from the Golden State. According to U.S. Census data, 19% of Nevada residents were born in California, further cementing the state’s natural appeal for westward movers.
With these considerations in mind, we set out to gain a deeper understanding of what’s driving the moves — and which destinations are favored by Californians. While rural Nevada has its appeal, it’s primarily Clark County, Washoe County and Carson City that attract residents from the Golden State.
The 10 busiest routes for California-to-Nevada relocations
Whether it’s the gravitational pull of Las Vegas, the quiet of Northern Nevada or the appeal of fewer expenses and more breathing room, these routes offer a window into the choices Californians are making — and what Nevada offers in return.
1. Los Angeles County, CA, to Clark County, NV
This is the heavyweight corridor — accounting for nearly 22% of the total California-to-Nevada migration in 2023. More people made the jump from LA to Las Vegas than any other route, making it the single largest migration path between the two states.
Beyond the charismatic appeal of a more relaxed lifestyle, Clark County’s draw lies in the promise of attainable homeownership. For buyers, the contrast is striking: The median home price in LA County hovers around $783,300, while in Clark County, it’s roughly $400,800 — a 49% difference. That’s nearly half the cost for a similar slice of the American dream. It may come as no surprise, then, that roughly 46% of newcomers became homeowners within their first year of living in their new home state.
Overall, the migration cuts across class lines. Some are chasing homeownership after years of being priced out. Others are looking to shed overhead — housing, utilities, gas, groceries — in a place where the basics stretch further. And pretty much everyone is longing to escape LA’s heavy traffic in a place with easier commutes.
Another promising development keeping Californians and Nevadans closely connected is the Brightline West high-speed rail project, set to launch in 2027. It will link Las Vegas to Los Angeles, making it even easier for California transplants to stay connected with friends and family back home.
2. Orange County, CA, to Clark County, NV
More than 4,200 people moved from Orange County to Clark County in a single year — many of them in their 40s or older. The largest group? Baby Boomers. Most already own homes, and in Orange County, those homes average over $915,000. In Clark County, they cost less than half that.
That kind of price gap can fast-track life plans. People who once imagined retiring in 10 years are suddenly doing it now. And Las Vegas offers a lifestyle that fits: neighborhoods quieter than the Strip, easier commutes, abundant sunshine and access to golf, trails and open space. The city has long been a magnet for boomers — in fact, Las Vegas ranks as the No. 1 destination for homebuyers of retirement age.
3. San Bernardino County, CA, to Clark County, NV
This stream skews younger. Movers along this route are mostly under 35, split almost evenly between millennials and Gen Z. The rentership rate is high at 69%, and the typical income hovers just below $49,000. Few hold bachelor’s degrees, and with home prices in San Bernardino averaging over $475,000, the economics push people east.
Vegas becomes a first step. For many in this group, it’s the first time rent feels manageable without roommates — or that homeownership seems even remotely within reach. It’s a move born of necessity, pulled forward by affordability. San Bernardino may sit at the edge of LA, but to these movers, Las Vegas feels much closer to the center of their ambitions.
4. San Diego County, CA, to Clark County, NV
Even postcard cities come with trade-offs. Nearly 3,000 San Diegans traded the coast for Las Vegas last year, many of them in their late 20s or early 30s. Their median income? Around $43,000, well below what it takes to comfortably build a life along the Southern California coast. What’s more, this route is dominated by Californian renters (72%).
San Diego’s sun, surf and startup culture don’t deliver the same returns they once did — especially for those without home equity or six-figure tech salaries. Las Vegas offers fewer credentials but more latitude. Entry-level wages stretch further when rent is nearly $636 cheaper each month. And for those still clocking in at a workplace, the savings add up fast.
5. Riverside County, CA, to Clark County, NV
Roughly 2,800 people made the move from Riverside County to Las Vegas in 2023, most of them in their late 30s. Generationally, it’s a mix — dominated by millennials and Gen Xers. The average income is lower, around $31,000, and most movers rent, often after being priced out of even the so-called affordable pockets of Southern California.
For many former Riverside residents, Las Vegas offers a better return on each paycheck — and a bit more breathing room. Clark County gives them just enough: lower rent, a familiar climate and fewer financial hurdles.
6. Santa Clara County, CA, to Clark County, NV
Leaving Silicon Valley doesn’t always mean leaving tech behind. The average income among movers from Santa Clara County to Clark County is $118,000, with nearly half working remotely. Many are in their 40s, and millennials make up a strong 35% of this group. This combination of earnings, flexibility and age suggests individuals in their peak earning years are rethinking where they want to live.
Las Vegas offers a significant drop in housing costs — more than $980,000 less than Santa Clara’s median home price. This affordability has led to 64% of newcomers purchasing homes within their first year of residency in Nevada. Overall, it’s a quality-of-life upgrade: more space, lower expenses and fewer hours lost in traffic — a compelling proposition for those who can take their income with them.
7. Ventura County, CA, to Clark County, NV
The migration flow from Ventura to Clark counties tends to be quieter — average age 41 — with a strong presence of boomers alongside Gen Xers. Many achieved homeownership in their first year of residence in Nevada (56%), and a sizable share work remotely (30%), suggesting long-time professionals or early retirees weighing their options.
A move to Las Vegas can free up hundreds of thousands in home equity — Ventura homes average over $768,000, compared to just over $400,000 in Clark County. With income levels here being modest (around $44,000), downsizing monthly costs might carry more weight than upgrading lifestyle. There’s a sense of settling in, not starting over.
8. Sacramento County, CA, to Clark County, NV
The Sacramento-to-Las Vegas migration route is predominantly filled with families. The average age barely surpasses 30, and with 35% of movers under 18, the data indicates that parents are relocating with their children in search of better school districts and more spacious homes.
Affordability is the primary driver. While Sacramento and Las Vegas rents are very close, housing prices in Las Vegas are more than $98,000 lower, which offers greater potential for homeownership in the future. With median incomes around $52,000 and only 14% of movers working remotely, most rely on in-person employment. These households are likely prioritizing stability over sprawl, along with a lower cost of living to make their working wages stretch further.
9. Alameda County, CA, to Clark County, NV
For some Bay Area professionals, Las Vegas has become the practical next step. Movers from Alameda County average 41 years old, with a strong representation of millennials and Gen Xers. Notably, 56% hold a bachelor’s degree and report average incomes near $91,000.
While homeownership in California poses challenges even for well-educated professionals, swapping Alameda’s average home price of over $1 million for something closer to $400,000 in Las Vegas changes the equation.
10. El Dorado County, CA, to Carson City, Lyon, Douglas and Storey Counties, NV
The migration from El Dorado County to Northern Nevada reflects a shift toward rural living and affordability. The average age of movers is 33, and in many cases, we’re likely talking about young families in search of more sustainable and nature-oriented lifestyles.
This demographic is characterized by a modest average income but quite a large share of homeowners: 40% Given the high rental costs and limited home-value data, relocating to Nevada’s smaller counties offers these families more breathing room and better cost control.
Counties like Carson City, Lyon, Douglas and Storey are attracting Californians who prefer quieter, more affordable communities that align with their long-term goals. These areas provide a unique combination of attainable housing, scenic landscapes and favorable tax conditions, suitable for those looking to settle down without starting over.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the ten most frequented migration routes from California to Nevada.
Reno attracts high-income Californians
While Reno just missed the top 10 busiest California-to-Nevada migration routes — landing at No. 12 — it holds undeniable appeal for Californians. The city’s economic boom and emerging role in the AI tech race have attracted hundreds of high-earning professionals.
In fact, Washoe County — home to the Reno metro area — is drawing some of the most affluent movers overall. The average income of California transplants settling in Washoe hovers around $70,000, compared to $56,000 for those moving to Clark County.
The highest-earning Californians heading to Washoe come from San Francisco, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties. Here’s a breakdown of the top income routes:
1. Santa Clara County → Washoe County
- Average income of movers: $129,600
This is the tech corridor — from the heart of Silicon Valley to the expanding opportunities of Reno. Movers from San Jose bring some of the highest salaries in the dataset — more than double the local average.
Nearly 60% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 74% are homeowners. With 60% working remotely, many keep their Bay Area paychecks while shedding $1.3 million in median home value. They’re trading traffic for space and burnout for balance.
2. Los Angeles County → Washoe County
- Average income of movers: $95,000
Here, high-income means something a bit different. LA movers tend to be younger, educated and part of the creative or professional class. With a 41% work-from-home rate and 65% homeownership, they’re betting on Reno’s future. In Los Angeles, where the median home price is $783,000, ownership can feel out of reach — but in Reno, it becomes possible. That’s the draw.
3. Contra Costa County → Washoe County
- Average income of movers: $83,200
East Bay households moving to Reno often fall into the “priced-out middle class.” Many of them own homes and are shunning $830,800 price tags for something more sustainable. Educational attainment is strong, with 42% holding bachelor’s degrees. Reno offers this Gen Z and Gen X mix a rare blend of affordability and upward mobility.
Major routes most popular among remote workers
Remote work isn’t evenly distributed across migration routes — and the reasons people move help explain why. The highest share of remote workers appears on the Santa Clara-to-Washoe route, where 60% of movers work from home. These are high-earning professionals, mostly in their 30s and 40s, with many making long-term commitments — 74% are homeowners. Originating from the heart of Silicon Valley, they’re bringing their jobs with them, trading million-dollar mortgages for more space, savings and a quieter pace. Reno offers just enough tech-adjacent energy to feel familiar, yet it’s a significant lifestyle shift — one they can afford without leaving their careers behind.
Other strong work-from-home corridors include Santa Clara and Contra Costa to Clark County, with 41% and 50% remote workers, respectively. Movers from Santa Clara again tend to be well-paid homeowners, as their relocations appear deliberate, not reactive. In Contra Costa, the demographic skews slightly older, with more renters and a broader mix of generations. Still, the pattern holds: individuals choosing locations where their incomes stretch further, and where remote work liberates them from proximity to a single office. These are calculated moves, driven by a rebalancing of priorities: space, cost and flexibility.
Then there’s a second tier of routes with solid but lower remote-work shares — like Los Angeles to Washoe (41%) and San Mateo to Clark (39%). These flows often involve younger professionals who rent rather than buy, and whose moves feel more exploratory. They’re saving on housing but may not be ready or able to commit just yet. Remote work provides them the freedom to roam, but they’re still determining where they’ll settle for the long term.
Below, you can see the major California-to-Nevada routes in terms of remote workers.
Self storage grows along with Nevada’s appeal
When migration rises, so does demand for flexibility — and few services meet that need quite like self storage. In Nevada’s fast-growing cities, storage facilities are popping up alongside new homes, new businesses and new routines. Clark County has seen a 36% increase in self storage development over the last decade, while Washoe County isn’t far behind at 28%.
Las Vegas, NV, in particular stands out as one of the top cities in the country for self storage expansion, ranking No. 4 nationwide for inventory growth. Over the past decade, storage space in the city has grown by 26%, a clear response to the wave of newcomers and shifting lifestyles. Reno, NV, follows the same path: its storage inventory has grown 26% in the last 10 years, which points to increased housing demand driven by tech-sector migration and a spike in multifamily development
Essentially, whenever there’s high moving activity, there’s a need for self storage. Besides the help it provides during the move, self storage also helps those who are navigating small spaces, opening a small business or experiencing various life events.
Charlie Basham found storage particularly useful as he and his wife quickly sold their house in California and hadn’t yet found their new abode in Nevada. “Everything but our clothes went into storage in Sparks,” says Basham. “Although we didn’t know we’d end up in Sparks, there was only one storage facility in the greater Reno area where two large units were available at that time. (Coincidentally, the storage units were just down the street from our new home.) Our house hunting was a challenge. It took several months. So, we ended up buying – and waiting for — a newly built home in Sparks. Our possessions stayed in storage for several months.”
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to pay for self storage across Nevada’s top destinations for new residents:
Self Storage Costs and Availability in Nevada’s Main Cities
| City | Street Rate | Self Storage Availability (sq. ft. per capita) |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | $130 | 7.6 |
| Henderson, NV | $134 | 6.6 |
| North Las Vegas, NV | $132 | 4.7 |
| Reno, NV | $132 | 14.3 |
| Spring Valley, NV | $156 | 0.7 |
| Paradise, NV | $130 | 0.7 |
| Sparks, NV | $133 | 8.1 |
| Carson City, NV | $117 | 20.4 |
| Fernley, NV | $143 | 17.4 |
| Sun Valley, NV | $120 | 0.6 |
| Mesquite, NV | $78 | 20.9 |
| Dayton, NV | $132 | 21.8 |
| Boulder City, NV | $104 | 38.1 |
| Fallon, NV | $82 | 31.5 |
| Laughlin, NV | $166 | 3.6 |
| Gardnerville, NV | $121 | 10.7 |
| Silver Springs, NV | $70 | 14.1 |
| Minden, NV | $132 | 22.2 |
Californians are increasingly relocating to Nevada, particularly Clark County, in response to rising housing prices, high taxes and cost-of-living pressures on the West Coast. Nevada’s lack of a state income tax, more affordable real estate and business-friendly climate have made it an appealing destination for a wide range of people — from families seeking stability to remote workers and retirees looking for better value. Las Vegas, once known primarily as a tourist city, has evolved into a major metro area with expanding industries, infrastructure and housing developments designed to accommodate sustained population growth.
At the same time, Reno continues to attract Northern Californians drawn by proximity, lifestyle and an emerging tech scene. While the influx presents challenges around infrastructure and local identity, it also fuels economic diversification and demographic change that signal Nevada’s growing role as a permanent home for many former Californians.
Here’s an overview of the California-to-Nevada migration routes, ranked by the number of newcomers to Nevada:
What the experts are saying:
For further insight into how the California exodus is impacting Nevada’s housing market, we’ve sought the opinion of a leading expert in the study of real estate:
Nicholas Irwin, Research Director at Lied Center for Real Estate
1. How has the influx of Californians affected Nevada’s housing market and affordability, especially in high-demand areas?
In general, the influx of Californians into Nevada has significantly impaired affordability, since most of the recent movers are wealthier than Nevada residents by about 33%, based on tax return data (see the Lied Center Research Report V1 I3 for more detailed numbers). This has put additional pressure on local residents, as many may not be able to compete with a Californian buyer who will be able to offer more (on average) or potentially able to pay cash.
2. What demographic or economic trends stand out among Californians moving to Nevada compared to those relocating to other states?
We’ve seen some evidence of CA-to-NV movers slowing down (based on car registration data), but Nevada will always be a draw because we have substantially lower taxes (no income tax at the state or local level, lower property taxes, etc.) and housing is generally less expensive than in most Californian cities. In any given year, about 75% of our new residents from out of state are coming from California, and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
Nadege Conger, Founder of SabbaticalHomes.com
1. What are some key demographics among Californians moving to Nevada?
Since founding SabbaticalHomes.com in 2000, we’ve seen academic professionals increasingly seeking Nevada rentals as alternatives to California’s higher costs. Our member surveys reveal academics choose Nevada primarily for cost savings (70%) while maintaining proximity to California institutions. Many keep minimal belongings in Nevada homes while storing research materials and personal items either with professional services or with trusted colleagues.
2. What advice would you give to academic professionals relocating from California to Nevada?
My advice based on thousands of academic relocations: create a detailed inventory before moving, seek furnished accommodations initially to minimize transport costs, and join local academic networks immediately. Nevada offers excellent proximity to California research institutions without the housing costs, making it ideal for academics seeking financial flexibility.
Methodology
This analysis was done by StorageCafe, an online platform that provides storage unit listings across the nation.
Our analysis draws on the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) for 2023. We identified and ranked the top migration routes between California and Nevada by analyzing the number of individual move-ins at the county level.
Key demographic indicators — such as age, educational attainment (bachelor’s degree or higher), remote-work prevalence, homeownership and rental rates, income levels and generational breakdowns — were sourced from the same ACS PUMS dataset.
To compare home and rent values in origin and destination counties, we used the most recent ACS 5-Year Estimates (2023) at the county level. These data points help illuminate potential cost advantages for movers in terms of real estate.
Self storage rental inventory levels and market rates were provided by Yardi Matrix, a sister company of StorageCafe, using internal data through April 2025 for inventory and March 2025 for rents.
Fair use and distribution
This study serves as a resource for the general public on issues of common interest and should not be regarded as investment advice. The data is true to the best of our knowledge but may change if amendments to it are made. We agree to the distribution of this content but we do require a mention in return for attribution purposes.
