6 Top States Where High Earners Are Moving To Keep More Money
If you make a high income, where you live can matter almost as much as what you earn. State income taxes, property taxes, housing costs, and even how a state taxes capital gains can swing your annual take home by five figures.
That math is one reason the Sun Belt and a handful of other tax-friendly states have stayed near the top of U.S. migration charts. IRS migration data tracks address changes from tax returns, and it shows steady churn out of higher tax states and into lower tax states. The U.S. Census Bureau also reported that domestic migration gains were strongest in several Southern states in the 2023 to 2024 period.
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Here are some of the most common landing spots for high earners who want to keep more of what they make, along with what makes each one appealing beyond taxes.
Florida
Florida is the classic "keep more" state: No state income tax, a large and growing economy, and a huge selection of lifestyle destinations. It also continues to appear near the top of commercial moving indicators such as the U-Haul Growth Index.
Why high earners like it: No state income tax is the selling point for many. That can be especially valuable for W-2 earners, business owners with pass-through income, and retirees pulling taxable distributions. Florida's homestead exemption can also reduce property tax bills for primary residences, and it offers creditor protections that some high-net-worth households value as part of their broader planning.
Other reasons to move to Florida: Florida offers geographic flexibility that few states can match. You can choose between global cities like Miami, fast-growing metros like Tampa, or quieter coastal communities. Major airports, international connectivity, and year round outdoor access add to the appeal. For many movers, the lifestyle upgrade is as important as the tax savings.
Texas
Texas combines no state income tax with a huge job market and constant corporate investment. It also ranked No. 1 on U-Haul's state growth list for 2025 (based on 2025 one way moving transactions).
Why high earners like it: Again, no state income tax is the hook. The tradeoff is often property taxes, which can be high in many counties, especially in fast-growing suburbs. For high earners, the decision frequently becomes a spreadsheet exercise -- income tax savings versus housing costs and property taxes.
Other reasons to move to Texas: Texas offers scale. Large housing developments, major infrastructure investment, and constant corporate relocation keep job markets deep and diverse. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston support everything from startups to Fortune 500 employers, which matters if career growth is still part of the equation.
Tennessee
Tennessee has become a magnet for people who want low taxes without giving up city amenities. Nashville gets most of the attention, but Chattanooga and Knoxville show up on many top lists, too. Tennessee also landed in the top five of the 2025 U-Haul growth rankings.
Why high earners like it: Tennessee has no wage income tax. (It previously taxed some investment income, but that tax has been phased out.) The state's overall tax structure is often simpler for high earners than in many coastal states, especially if you have multiple income streams.
Other reasons to move to Tennessee: Tennessee tends to attract people looking for balance. Nashville offers strong job growth and cultural energy, while smaller cities like Chattanooga provide access to outdoor recreation and lower housing costs. For many movers, Tennessee feels like a middle ground between big city opportunity and manageable day-to-day costs.
North Carolina
North Carolina is not a "no income tax" state, but it frequently competes well for high earners when you factor in job growth and quality of life. In the latest Census estimates, it was one of the biggest gainers from domestic migration.
Why high earners like it: The state has a flat income tax rate of just 3.99% (as of 2026), and it can look even better when paired with comparatively reasonable housing costs outside the hottest neighborhoods. If you are moving from a high tax metro, a flatter, lower rate can still be meaningful.
Other reasons to move to North Carolina: North Carolina consistently appeals to people who want long term career optionality. The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) supports tech, biotech, and academic research, while Charlotte anchors banking and financial services. Access to both mountains and coastline also plays into the state's steady inflow of professionals and families.
South Carolina
South Carolina has quietly become a relocation favorite, especially for people coming from the Northeast. It also ranked in the top five on the U-Haul growth list for 2025.
Why high earners like it: South Carolina does have an income tax (0% to 6%), but many retirees and remote workers still come out ahead thanks to housing options, property tax treatment that can be favorable for primary residences, and a generally lower cost of living than nearby high cost coastal markets.
Other reasons to move to South Carolina: South Carolina attracts people who prioritize quality of life. Charleston offers historic charm and coastal living, while Greenville has emerged as a fast growing smaller metro with strong manufacturing and business investment. The state also tends to appeal to retirees and remote workers who value pace and affordability.
Nevada
Nevada often flies under the radar in national migration talk, but it is a serious contender for tax motivated moves, especially from California and the Pacific Northwest.
Why high earners like it: Nevada has no state income tax, which makes it attractive for high W-2 earners, entrepreneurs, and anyone with large taxable investment income. For some households, relocating across a state line can be a major annual swing.
Other reasons to move to Nevada: Nevada offers proximity without pressure. Reno allows access to Northern California without California's tax structure, while Las Vegas has expanded well beyond tourism into healthcare, logistics, and professional sports. Housing supply and development have also been more flexible than in many Western states.
Taxes Matter, But So Does The Total Package
Commercial moving and government data both point in a similar direction: people continue to flow toward lower tax, business friendly states, even if the pace has cooled from the pandemic surge.
Still, "keeping more money" is rarely just about the income tax line. High earners should also weigh property taxes, home insurance, housing prices, and how real job markets and industry clusters affect long term earning power. The best move is the one that improves your after tax budget without shrinking your future options.
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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