If you have noticed more new faces around San Diego, you are not imagining it. Recent data from Redfin shows a major shift in migration patterns, revealing that more people are moving into San Diego than leaving. With its outdoor lifestyle, strong job market, and world-class coastline, America’s Finest City continues to attract homebuyers from across the country.
Below is a look at the top five cities people are moving to San Diego from in 2025, and why this trend is growing.
The Top 5 Cities People Are Relocating From
According to Redfin’s housing search trends, the five cities sending the most new residents to San Diego are:
Los Angeles, California
Raleigh, North Carolina
San Francisco, California
Washington, D.C.
Boston, Massachusetts
These cities share a common theme: high cost of living, competitive job markets, and limited affordability. San Diego may not be inexpensive, but many incoming residents view it as a step up in quality of life while still offering relative value compared to their current markets.
Why Los Angeles Leads the Pack
Los Angeles ranks number one for inbound migration to San Diego. While both cities are expensive, San Diego’s median home price of around $930,000 is still lower than Los Angeles, where the median has surpassed $1 million.
Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather explains that affordability is the leading driver behind relocation. With more variety in price points, less sprawl, and a more relaxed lifestyle, San Diego has become a desirable alternative for Angelenos seeking a fresh start.
Raleigh to San Diego: A Surprising Migration Trend
Raleigh, North Carolina, taking the number two spot may surprise some. Fairweather points to strong job opportunities as a reason for this connection. Both Raleigh and San Diego are hubs for biotechnology, medical research, and STEM industries, creating natural migration patterns for professionals in those fields. Comparable climates and mild winters also appeal to those making the cross-country move.
San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston: High-Cost Markets Driving Movement
Residents from San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston are also relocating to San Diego in growing numbers. Each of these metro areas faces:
High housing costs
Dense urban living
Intense job competition
Limited space for new development
San Diego offers a balance many people want today: sunshine, ocean access, outdoor recreation, and a thriving job market. Fairweather notes that the pandemic and remote-work flexibility accelerated this shift, allowing more buyers to choose lifestyle first.
Who Is Leaving San Diego and Where Are They Going?
While San Diego continues to experience strong inbound migration, certain residents are choosing to leave. In the last three months of tracked data:
26 percent of San Diego homebuyers searched to move out
74 percent searched to stay local
Those who do leave often pursue more affordability in cities such as Portland, Nashville, and Las Vegas. The top destinations for outgoing San Diegans include Boise, Idaho, and Hilo, Hawaii.
Market Conditions Shaping the Trend
San Diego’s current housing trends reflect steady demand. According to Redfin:
The typical home receives three offers
Homes sell for about one percent below list price
Average days on market is around 40 days, compared to 28 days the previous year
Fairweather anticipates that migration into San Diego could rise further once mortgage rates begin to fall, creating more opportunities for buyers waiting on the sidelines.
Why Buyers Say San Diego Is Worth It
San Diego’s cost of living is about 46 percent higher than the national average, yet most newcomers say the lifestyle benefits outweigh the expense. Popular reasons for relocating include:
Mild weather year-round
Beautiful beaches and coastal access
Outdoor recreation
Strong job market in biotech, defense, healthcare, and tech
A more relaxed pace of life compared to other major metros
San Diego continues to offer an unmatched blend of professional opportunity and lifestyle quality, which is exactly why so many people are choosing to call it home.