How to use this quiz
Answer the 6 questions on cost-of-living difference, income portability, housing research depth, state income tax, motivation strength, and financial cushion. The cost and income questions carry the most weight — a move to a cheaper state with portable income is the strongest setup; the reverse is the weakest. Answer honestly about what you haven't researched yet.
What your result means
"Move" means the math and your situation both point the same way — cheaper costs (or income that more than covers higher costs), a solid cushion, and a reason beyond just saving money. "Could work with planning" means some signals are positive but you need to close unknowns and build a bigger buffer before committing. "Doesn't clearly favor" means higher costs, reduced income, or a thin cushion would stretch you — the move needs adjustments to make sense. "Expensive and unprepared" is the classic relocation trap: moving to a costlier state with less income and thin savings.
When to trust it
The quiz weighs the financial signals most heavily, but it can't see career trajectories, family obligations, health factors, or community fit — all of which can justify a financially suboptimal move. The BEA Regional Price Parities behind the cost question are 2024 state-level averages; city-level costs within a state can differ by 30%+. Pair this quiz with the relocation cost calculator for exact dollar figures, and check actual rent listings before signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper does a state need to be for moving to make financial sense?
A 10%+ cost-of-living difference is meaningful (roughly $500/month on a $5,000 budget), but the real threshold depends on your income portability. With remote income, even a 5% difference compounds to $3,000+ per year in savings. If you need a new local job, you typically want 15-20% cheaper to offset the career risk of restarting in a new market.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no personal income tax on wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (investment income only), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Moving from a high-tax state like California (~9.5% effective) to one of these is a double win: lower cost of living AND more take-home pay. The reverse — moving from a no-tax state to a high-tax one — hits your budget from both directions.