Californians in Texas Weigh Moving Again
Families who relocated for lower housing costs are reconsidering after Democrats won the state's top races.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Residential
Live Poll
If you moved to a new state, would you move again over politics?
Some Californians who moved to Texas are weighing a return after Democrats won the state's Senate and gubernatorial races in the 2026 midterms. Democrat James Talarico won the Texas Senate race and Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the governor's race.
Why it matters
Affordability is a chief reason Californians cite for leaving the state, and Texas is considered cheaper for housing than California, so the political shift is prompting some families to reconsider where they can afford to live. A 2025 RAND analysis found building multifamily housing costs more than 2.3 times as much in California as in Texas, which helps explain why Texas has drawn movers.
A 2025 RAND analysis found multifamily housing costs more than 2.3 times as much to build in California as in Texas. Democrats won Texas's Senate and gubernatorial races in the 2026 midterms, which some relocated Californians say is prompting them to consider leaving again.
The players
Texas Politics Project, University of Texas at Austin
A research program at the University of Texas at Austin that studies Texas politics, whose research director Joshua Blank was quoted in the reporting.
RAND
A nonprofit research organization whose 2025 analysis found multifamily housing costs more than 2.3 times as much to build in California as in Texas.
The details
Families who moved from California to Texas for lower housing costs are now weighing other states, including Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Marie Bailey, 44, originally from El Segundo, California, leads a large Facebook group of Californians looking to move to Texas and says members are reconsidering their choices. Breana Janel is considering Tennessee, the Carolinas, or Georgia, and fears Texas will never flip back to Republican control.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Midterm elections held, with Democrats winning Texas's Senate and gubernatorial races.
November 10, 2026: Reporting on midterm results and relocation plans published.
The Home Front
The RAND analysis documents that building multifamily housing costs more than 2.3 times as much in California as in Texas, a gap that underpins the affordability argument driving interstate moves. Texas's appeal as a lower-cost housing market is now being weighed against the state's shifting political landscape.
If you rent or own in Texas and are weighing a move, compare total housing costs in your target state before committing, including rent or mortgage, property taxes, and insurance. Speak with a licensed real estate agent or lender before making any buy or sell decision.
The takeaway
Housing affordability is a major driver of interstate moves, so comparing the full cost of living in Texas against other states can help you decide whether to stay or relocate. Keep a folder of your current lease or mortgage, property tax statements, and insurance quotes so you can compare options quickly.
Further reading
For more on how housing costs are shaping where families choose to live, explore Residential coverage.
Live Poll
If you moved to a new state, would you move again over politics?
