New York Residents Eyeing Exit Due to High Costs, Taxes and Politics, Poll Finds
A significant portion of New Yorkers are considering leaving the state, with taxes and cost of living cited as primary drivers, according to a new survey.
A substantial number of New York residents are contemplating a move out of the state, with taxes and the rising cost of living identified as the main deterrents, a recent poll indicates.
According to a survey of 600 New York state residents conducted by the Empire Center for Public Policy, 33% are considering leaving, and an additional 30% reported knowing someone who is contemplating a departure. This sentiment, dubbed the 'Empire State Exodus,' highlights a growing dissatisfaction among the state's populace.
When asked about the primary reasons for considering a move, 30% of respondents pointed to taxes as the most significant issue. The cost of living followed closely, cited by 25% of those surveyed. Other factors influencing the decision to leave included politics and governance, mentioned by 15%, followed by safety concerns (6%) and housing affordability (6%).
New York has experienced a notable population decline since Governor Kathy Hochul took office in 2021. Critics attribute this trend to the state's tax policies and spending habits, which they argue are driving residents away. In 2025 alone, New York City lost approximately 114,000 residents, with young adults (Gen Z) leaving the metropolitan area at a faster rate than in other major cities, according to a Redfin analysis.
Political campaigns are also leveraging the issue. A Super PAC supporting Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive, has launched billboards across the state that read, “You are Now Leaving NY (Like Everyone Else) Vote Bruce Blakeman.” These ads feature headshots of Hochul and Blakeman, aiming to draw attention to the state's population trends and Blakeman's platform.
High-profile individuals have also voiced concerns. Billionaires Ken Griffin and Marc Rowan have threatened to relocate jobs from the state due to policies perceived as anti-wealth. Griffin specifically mentioned plans to create more jobs in Miami over the next decade after Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized his real estate holdings in relation to a proposed pied-à-terre tax.
New York's tax burden is among the highest in the nation. Data from the Citizens Budget Commission indicates the state collects approximately $13,000 per capita in state and local taxes, significantly more than other states, including California, which collects about $9,000 per capita. Residents expressed frustration with various fees and costs, such as high car insurance, congestion pricing, and parking scarcity, even while paying substantial taxes.
Some respondents also cited concerns about illegal immigration and the current administration's focus. One survey participant noted that "Albany cares more about illegal immigrants than they do disabled veterans," suggesting a perceived shift in priorities.