Survey Found Many New York Residents Considering Moving
A new survey highlights why a significant portion of New York residents are currently weighing a relocation.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Residential
Live Poll
Do you feel the cost of living in your current state is becoming unsustainable for you?
An Empire Center for Public Policy survey of 600 New York state residents found that 63% are either considering moving out of the state or know someone who is. This reflects a broader trend of residents departing the state, with New York City losing 114,000 residents in 2025.
Why it matters
Residents cited high taxes and cost of living as primary drivers for considering a move, illustrating how state fiscal policies directly influence household residency decisions. New York currently collects $13,000 per capita in state and local taxes, compared to $9,000 in California.
The Empire Center for Public Policy survey polled 600 residents to gauge relocation sentiment. These findings follow a 2025 period where New York City saw a population loss of 114,000 residents.
The players
Empire Center for Public Policy
An independent non-profit think tank that tracks and analyzes New York state government spending and public policy.
Kathy Hochul
The current Governor of New York who has held office since 2021.
Ken Griffin
A prominent business leader and financier who has announced plans to expand his professional operations in Miami.
The details
The survey results indicate that financial pressures are the top motivators for potential departures, with 30% of respondents pointing to taxes and 25% citing general cost of living. Other factors influencing these considerations include politics, personal safety, and local housing affordability. The data highlights a significant residency shift as individuals weigh the economic burden of living in New York against other regional opportunities.
Timeline
2018: Democrats gained a supermajority in California.
2021: Governor Kathy Hochul took office.
2025: New York City lost 114,000 residents.
September 2026: Empire Center survey results were published.
The Home Front
The reported desire to move aligns with the documented 2025 population decline across New York City. This trend reflects shifting household priorities regarding state-level tax burdens and the regional cost of living.
Homeowners should review their long-term housing budget to determine if current state tax and cost-of-living trends affect their personal financial stability. It is also helpful to track local residential trends to understand how shifting neighborhood demographics might impact your property value.
The takeaway
Taxation and living costs are significant factors driving residents to consider leaving New York. Keep a copy of your annual property tax assessment on file to help manage your household budget against these ongoing economic pressures.
Further reading
For more information on housing trends and local market changes, see Residential.
Live Poll
Do you feel the cost of living in your current state is becoming unsustainable for you?
