California placed 48th out of 50 states in a new ranking of the best places to relocate, maintaining its position near the bottom for the second consecutive year. The ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed affordability, safety, economic strength, healthcare, education, and quality of life across all states, revealing significant challenges facing the Golden State.
Cost of Living Crisis Drives Poor Rankings
The state received its worst score in affordability, ranking dead last at 50th place. Housing costs consume 21.1% of median income for California residents, well above the national average of 17.6%. Overall living expenses in California exceed the national average by 10.7%, meaning residents pay substantially more for everyday goods and services than most Americans. The report highlighted that California’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis significantly impacted its overall ranking despite stronger performances in other categories.
California also struggled with safety metrics, placing 49th in the nation with only New Mexico scoring lower. The state reports 4.9 violent crimes and 20.78 property crimes per 1,000 residents, both exceeding national averages of 3.6 violent crimes and 17.6 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Economic strength proved another weak point, with California ranking 41st in that category.
Healthcare and Quality of Life Provide Few Bright Spots
The state performed better in healthcare and education, ranking 23rd, and quality of life, where it placed 14th. These higher scores in specific categories likely prevented California from falling to the absolute bottom of the list. Louisiana and New Mexico occupied the final two spots at 49th and 50th respectively. Arkansas ranked 47th and Oklahoma 46th, rounding out the bottom five states.
New Hampshire Claims Top Position
New Hampshire jumped from second place to claim the top spot as the best state to move to, displacing last year’s winner Utah, which fell to second place. Idaho, Virginia, and Maine completed the top five. The rankings come shortly after a separate WalletHub analysis revealed that California is home to six of the least-educated cities in the entire country, adding to concerns about the state’s appeal for potential residents seeking better opportunities.
