Top US states Canadians are moving to (2026 Guide)

More Canadians are moving to the United States than at any point in recent history, driven by higher USD salaries, lower taxes in key states, warmer winters, and frustration with Canadian housing costs. Florida leads all destinations with an estimated 500,000+ Canadian residents and snowbirds, followed by California, Texas, Arizona, and New York. This guide covers the top 6 US states Canadians are choosing in 2026 — with housing costs, job market data, tax comparisons, and practical tips for making the cross-border move.

Why Are Canadians Moving to the US in 2026?

The reasons are a mix of push and pull factors that have intensified over the past few years:

• Higher salaries in USD: With the Canadian dollar hovering around $0.72–$0.74 USD, earning in US dollars provides an immediate income boost of 25–35%
• Lower taxes: Seven US states have no state income tax, compared to Canada’s provincial rates of 8–22%
• Housing affordability: Many US markets offer better value than Toronto or Vancouver despite high prices by American standards
• Warmer winters: Florida, Arizona, and Texas offer dramatically milder winters than most of Canada
• Healthcare speed: Shorter wait times for specialists and elective procedures motivate many moves, particularly among retirees
• Career opportunities: US tech, finance, and entertainment industries offer compensation packages that are difficult to match in Canada

According to the American Community Survey, over 820,000 Canadian-born residents lived in the United States as of the most recent data — and that number has been growing steadily year over year.

Top US States for Canadians: Quick Comparison (2026)

1. Florida — The #1 Destination for Canadians

Florida consistently tops every list of preferred US destinations for Canadians — and for good reason. The combination of no state income tax, warm winters, and a large existing Canadian community makes it the most accessible and familiar choice.

• Canadian population: Estimated 500,000+ seasonal and permanent Canadian residents
• Average home price: ~$390,000 USD (median) — significantly below Toronto
• 1BR rent (Miami/Orlando): $2,000–$2,800 USD/month
• State income tax: None
• Climate: January highs average 72°F (22°C) in Miami, 71°F (22°C) in Orlando
• Sunny days per year: 230–250

Florida is particularly popular with retirees and snowbirds from Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Many Canadians buy a Florida property as a second home and spend the winter months there before eventually making the move permanent. The main practical considerations are hurricane insurance (budget $2,000–$4,000 USD/year depending on location and coverage) and the cost of US health insurance if you’re not yet eligible for Medicare.

For full details on the move, see our guide on moving from Canada to Florida.

2. Texas — Jobs, Growth, and No State Income Tax

Texas has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Canadian professionals, particularly those in energy, tech, and finance. The combination of strong job growth, zero state income tax, and housing that’s cheaper than most Canadian cities makes it a compelling choice.

• Average home price (Austin): ~$543,000 USD
• Average home price (Dallas/Houston): $300,000–$380,000 USD
• 1BR rent (Austin): $1,500–$2,000 USD/month
• State income tax: None
• Job growth: 284,000+ new jobs added in 2024 across energy, tech, and healthcare
• Climate: Dallas January highs average 56°F (13°C)

Texas is particularly attractive for Canadians in the oil and gas sector — the energy industry connections between Alberta and Texas are extensive. Houston, in particular, has a well-established Canadian expat community. Entrepreneurs also benefit from Texas’s zero corporate income tax and straightforward LLC registration process.

For more on what to expect, see our guide on 7 things to know before moving from Canada to Texas.

3. California — High Salaries, High Costs

California remains a top destination for Canadians in tech, entertainment, and biotech — despite its high cost of living and significant state income tax. For the right career, the financial math still works out.

• Median home price: ~$829,000 USD statewide; $1.2M+ in Bay Area
• 1BR rent (San Francisco): $3,200–$3,600 USD/month
• 1BR rent (Los Angeles): $2,200–$2,800 USD/month
• State income tax: 1–13.3% (highest in the US)
• Bay Area software engineer median salary: $200,000–$260,000 USD total compensation
• Sunny days per year (LA): 263

California is the destination of choice for Canadians in tech (Bay Area), entertainment (Los Angeles), and biotech (San Diego). Despite the high taxes and housing costs, the salaries in these sectors are often high enough to justify the move. When accounting for currency conversion, a $200,000 USD tech salary in San Francisco translates to roughly $275,000 CAD — well above what most equivalent roles pay in Toronto or Vancouver.

The main challenges are California’s high income tax rate (up to 13.3%), housing costs, and the complexity of the US immigration process for professional visa holders.

4. Arizona — Sunshine, Affordability, and Healthcare

Arizona has quietly become one of the most popular destinations for Canadian retirees and snowbirds, offering a warmer and drier alternative to Florida with lower housing costs and excellent healthcare infrastructure.

• Average home price (Phoenix): ~$420,000 USD
• Average home price (Tucson): ~$330,000 USD
• State income tax: 2.5% flat rate (among the lowest in the US)
• Climate: Phoenix December highs average 66°F (19°C); 300+ sunny days per year
• Healthcare: Scottsdale’s Mayo Clinic is ranked among America’s top 3 hospitals
• Canadian snowbird population: ~100,000 annually

Arizona’s dry heat suits many Canadians better than Florida’s humidity. The state has invested significantly in healthcare infrastructure, making it particularly attractive for retirees who want reliable access to specialists — with wait times far shorter than in most Canadian provinces. The Canada-Arizona Business Council estimates that Canadian snowbirds contribute $1.4 billion USD to Arizona’s economy annually.

5. New York — Career Capital of North America

New York remains the destination of choice for Canadians in finance, media, fashion, and the arts. The career opportunities — and the compensation — are unmatched anywhere in North America.

• Average securities industry salary (NYC): $471,000 USD (NY Comptroller, 2023)
• 1BR rent (Manhattan): $4,500–$5,500 USD/month
• Average home price (statewide): ~$450,000 USD
• State income tax: 4–10.9%
• Canadian-born residents: ~35,000
• Climate: Similar to Toronto — cold winters, hot summers

New York is not a destination for cost savings — it’s a destination for career acceleration. Canadians who move to New York typically do so for specific high-compensation roles in finance, law, media, or entertainment where the earning potential significantly outpaces what’s available in Canada. The cost of living is high, but so are the salaries.

For Canadians from Toronto, the lifestyle adjustment to New York is relatively manageable — it’s a bigger, faster version of a city they already know. See our Toronto to New York moving guide for logistics and tips.

6. Nevada — Tax-Free Living with Desert Sun

Nevada — and Las Vegas in particular — has emerged as a fast-growing destination for Canadian remote workers, retirees, and entrepreneurs attracted by zero state income tax, affordable housing by US coastal standards, and 294 sunny days per year.

• Average home price (Las Vegas): ~$430,000 USD
• State income tax: None
• 1BR rent (Las Vegas): $1,400–$1,800 USD/month
• Sunny days per year: 294
• Flight time from Vancouver: Under 3 hours direct
• Canadian-born residents: ~12,000 and growing

Nevada offers the tax advantages of Texas and Florida without the humidity. Las Vegas has evolved significantly beyond its casino reputation — it now has a growing tech sector, excellent healthcare, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living by US urban standards. For remote workers who want sun, low taxes, and easy access to California, Nevada is an increasingly popular choice.

What You Need to Know Before Moving to the US

Moving from Canada to the US is more complex than a domestic move. Key considerations:

• Visa and immigration: You’ll need a valid US visa or work permit (TN visa under CUSMA/USMCA is available for many professional categories). Permanent residency requires a separate application process.
• Healthcare: US employer-sponsored health insurance is typically required — budget $300–$600 USD/month for an individual, more for families. Canadian provincial health coverage does not apply in the US.
• Banking: Open a US bank account before or immediately after arrival. Many Canadian banks (TD, RBC, BMO) have US operations that ease the transition.
• Taxes: You’ll file both Canadian and US tax returns in your first year of departure. Consult a cross-border tax accountant — this is not optional.
• Vehicle: Canadian-registered vehicles can typically be driven in the US for up to a year. After that, you’ll need to register in your state. Some states have specific vehicle import requirements.

When you’re ready to make the move, Centennial Moving provides Canada to USA moving services with full cross-border logistics support. Get a free quote and we’ll have an estimate ready within 24 hours.