PITTSBURGH — As the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway Thursday night in Pittsburgh, all eyes are on a loaded class filled with franchise quarterbacks, shutdown cornerbacks, dominant edge rushers and versatile offensive weapons. With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, this year’s talent pool could reshape multiple franchises for years to come.

Here are the 10 players generating the most buzz heading into the draft, based on scouting reports, combine performances, production and projected impact at the next level:

1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas The standout Texas Longhorn quarterback tops nearly every big board. Ewers possesses elite arm talent, impressive pocket presence and the ability to make every throw on the field. His leadership in high-pressure games and improved decision-making this past season have scouts comparing him to a more mobile version of early-career Matthew Stafford. Many project him as the likely No. 1 overall selection.

2. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado The two-way superstar from Colorado remains one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory. Hunter’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball is rare. While most teams will likely draft him as a cornerback, his offensive skills give him unique value. His coverage instincts, ball skills and athleticism make him a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate early in his career.

3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Jeanty delivered one of the most impressive running back seasons in recent college football history. His vision, power and receiving skills out of the backfield remind scouts of a young Marshall Faulk. In a draft class light on elite running backs, Jeanty stands out as a potential immediate difference-maker and three-down threat.

4. Will Campbell, OT, LSU The massive left tackle from LSU has the size, athleticism and technique to anchor an offensive line for the next decade. His ability to handle elite pass rushers and dominate in the run game makes him a safe, high-floor prospect likely to hear his name called early on Thursday night.

5. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado Sanders brings exceptional accuracy, football IQ and poise to the position. While some question his arm strength compared to other top quarterbacks, his leadership and ability to operate under pressure have drawn favorable comparisons to Joe Burrow. His fit will depend heavily on which team drafts him and the offensive system in place.

6. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan The interior defensive lineman from Michigan’s national championship team offers disruptive quickness and strength. Graham’s ability to collapse pockets and stop the run makes him a perfect fit for modern NFL defenses that rely on versatile front-four players.

7. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona McMillan’s combination of size, route-running polish and contested-catch ability has many scouts calling him the top wide receiver in the class. His production in a spread offense translates well to the NFL, and he has the potential to become a true No. 1 receiver immediately.

8. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee Pearce’s explosive first step and bend around the edge make him a constant threat to quarterbacks. While he needs to add strength against the run, his pass-rush potential is elite and could make him a double-digit sack producer early in his career.

9. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas Banks has the length, footwork and technical refinement to develop into a Pro Bowl left tackle. His consistency and intelligence in pass protection give him a high floor, while his athletic upside suggests significant ceiling.

10. Harold Perkins, LB, LSU The explosive linebacker offers sideline-to-sideline speed and big-play ability. Perkins’ versatility allows him to rush the passer, drop into coverage and stop the run effectively. He projects as a dynamic every-down linebacker who can elevate any defense.

This year’s class stands out for its depth at premium positions. Multiple teams in need of quarterback help could trigger a run on signal-callers early in the first round. The abundance of talent at offensive tackle and wide receiver also gives general managers flexibility to address multiple needs.

Pittsburgh’s vibrant atmosphere adds extra excitement to the event. The city’s passionate football fans and scenic riverfront setting create the perfect backdrop for one of the NFL’s signature events. Prospects walking the stage at Point State Park will feel the weight of the moment as their dreams become reality.

For fans watching at home, the drama of the green room, emotional family reactions and expert analysis from broadcasters will make for compelling television. Trade rumors and surprise picks are expected to keep viewers engaged well into the night.

Teams with high picks face critical decisions that could define their franchises for the next decade. Getting the right player in a deep class like this one can accelerate a rebuild or push a contender over the top. Conversely, reaching for need instead of best player available has burned many franchises in the past.

As the countdown to Thursday’s 8 p.m. ET start continues, excitement builds across the league. Whether it’s a future superstar quarterback or a game-changing defender, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to deliver memorable moments and launch careers that will shape the league for years to come.

The top 10 prospects listed here represent the cream of this year’s class, but several other highly talented players could easily crack the top 10 on different boards depending on scheme fit and team needs. The true value of this draft will only become clear years from now when these young talents take the field on Sundays.

For now, Pittsburgh stands ready to welcome the next generation of NFL stars. The 2026 draft is finally here, and football fans everywhere are eager to see which prospects hear their names called first under the bright lights this week.

PITTSBURGH — The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night from Pittsburgh’s iconic North Shore, and football fans across the country have multiple ways to watch all three days of the event live on television and streaming platforms.

The highly anticipated draft begins with Round 1 on Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday, April 25 starting at Noon ET. The event is hosted at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, marking a major homecoming for the league in the Steel City.

Television Broadcast ESPN and ABC will carry exclusive coverage of the entire draft across all three days. Viewers can tune in to ESPN for in-depth analysis, player interviews and the main broadcast feed, while ABC will simulcast key portions, particularly during prime time on Thursday and Friday evenings. NFL Network will also provide wall-to-wall coverage with additional cameras, expert commentary and behind-the-scenes access.

For those without cable, several live TV streaming services will carry the draft. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (with the Sports Extra add-on), Fubo and DirecTV Stream all include ESPN, ABC and NFL Network in their channel lineups. Most services offer free trials, making them convenient options for cord-cutters.

Streaming Options The NFL has made the draft widely accessible through digital platforms. The official NFL+ app and website will stream every round live, with multiple viewing angles and team-specific feeds. NFL+ Premium subscribers get access to commercial-free coverage and additional features like All-22 film and coach audio.

ESPN+ will also stream the draft with alternate broadcasts, including special analytical shows and player tracking graphics. Disney+ subscribers can access ABC’s feed through the app. For international viewers, DAZN will carry live coverage in many countries outside the United States.

Radio and Digital Audio SiriusXM NFL Radio will provide live call-by-call coverage and expert analysis throughout the three days. Local radio stations in each NFL market will also carry team-specific broadcasts, allowing fans to hear their favorite team’s selections and immediate reactions from general managers and coaches.

Social Media and Additional Coverage The NFL’s official social channels, along with ESPN, ABC and team accounts, will offer real-time updates, highlight clips and fan engagement. The league’s draft tracker on NFL.com provides live pick-by-pick information, prospect profiles and trade alerts for those who cannot watch the full broadcast.

What to Expect During the Broadcast Thursday night’s first round is expected to run until well after midnight as teams use their eight-minute clock for each selection. The broadcast will feature the traditional green room at the draft site, emotional family reactions, and in-depth scouting reports from analysts like Mel Kiper Jr., Booger McFarland and others.

New this year are enhanced augmented reality graphics showing player athletic testing results and projected impact on team schemes. Fans attending in person can enjoy large screens, interactive exhibits and live music along the Pittsburgh riverfront.

Tips for Viewers Set reminders for the start times, especially if using streaming services that may experience slight delays compared to traditional TV. Have multiple devices ready — many fans watch the main broadcast on TV while following team-specific analysis on tablets or phones. Download the NFL app ahead of time for the best mobile experience.

For families or group viewing parties, the Saturday session starting at noon offers a more relaxed pace as later rounds move faster with shorter selection clocks. Snacks, team jerseys and mock draft sheets can make the weekend even more engaging.

Why the 2026 Draft Is Especially Anticipated This year’s class is considered exceptionally deep at quarterback, wide receiver and edge rusher positions. With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, intrigue is high around who will be selected first and which teams might trade up or down in a draft rich with talent.

Pittsburgh’s selection as host city adds extra excitement. The Steelers’ passionate fan base and the city’s football heritage create a unique atmosphere that will be visible throughout the broadcast. Organizers expect record crowds along the rivers, turning the draft into a true festival of football.

How to Prepare Serious fans should review team needs, prospect rankings and potential trade scenarios before Thursday night. Mock draft simulators on popular sites can help predict possible outcomes. Having a notepad or phone app ready to track picks makes following the action more enjoyable.

For those new to the draft, broadcasters will provide plenty of context and explanations, making it accessible even for casual viewers. The mix of high drama in the first round and value hunting in later rounds offers something for everyone.

The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with elite talent, passionate host city energy and multiple ways to watch from home or on the go. Whether you prefer the polished ESPN production, the interactive NFL+ experience, or local radio commentary, clear options exist for every type of football fan.

Mark your calendars, set your alarms and get ready for three days of football excitement starting Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET. The future of the NFL begins in Pittsburgh this week, and millions will be watching live as new stars hear their names called on stage.

Britain’s public finances delivered a rare slice of good news for the chancellor this week, with government borrowing sinking to a four-year low in March. But business leaders and economists are already bracing for the figures to sour, warning that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could swiftly unravel Rachel Reeves’s carefully constructed fiscal plans.

According to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics, the government borrowed £12.6bn last month, the lowest March total since 2022 and £1.4bn below the same month a year earlier. The drop was driven by a sharp fall in debt interest spending and a bumper £100bn haul in tax receipts.

For small and medium-sized businesses, which continue to shoulder the weight of frozen income tax thresholds, higher employer national insurance and stubborn inflation, the figures offer only cold comfort. While the Treasury has edged closer to meeting its borrowing targets, the improvement owes less to restraint on Whitehall and more to a quirk of the retail price index.

Despite the monthly improvement, March’s figure came in above the £10.4bn consensus forecast from City economists. Borrowing over the full financial year reached £132bn — £700m below the Office for Budget Responsibility’s projection, but still the sixth-highest annual total since records began in 1947. The figure was nonetheless nearly £20bn lower than the previous year.

The headline reduction was flattered by a dramatic fall in debt interest costs, which dropped to £3.2bn in March from £13bn in February and £4.5bn in the same month last year. A substantial portion of the UK’s debt stock remains linked to the retail price index, a measure economists have long dismissed as outdated. A sharp deceleration in RPI between December and January fed directly through to lower payments to index-linked gilt holders.

Tax revenues also did much of the heavy lifting. Public sector receipts rose £5.4bn year on year to cross the £100bn threshold in March, propelled by higher income tax and national insurance takings. Public spending climbed more modestly, up £2.9bn to £91.6bn.

Tom Davies, senior statistician at the ONS, said the figures showed that “although spending has risen this financial year, this was more than offset by increased receipts,” noting that March’s borrowing was 10 per cent lower than a year earlier.

Yet the optimism was tempered by warnings that the tailwinds of the past month could quickly reverse. Economists fear that the war in the Middle East is already feeding through to British inflation and growth forecasts, threatening to squeeze the chancellor’s room for manoeuvre.

“A sustained rise in energy prices would create a double squeeze on the public finances,” said Martin Beck, chief economist at WPI Strategy. “True, higher oil and gas prices could boost North Sea revenues, while stronger inflation might lift VAT receipts and income tax revenues through frozen thresholds. However, those gains would likely be outweighed by weaker economic growth and higher spending pressures, including increased welfare costs, rising debt interest payments, and potential support for households and energy-intensive firms.”

Figures published earlier this week showed consumer price inflation climbing to 3.3 per cent in March, up from 3 per cent in February. Some economists now expect it to peak at double the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target later this year, a development that would push the government’s debt interest bill higher once more and heap fresh pressure on already stretched SMEs.

The Bank’s nine-member monetary policy committee meets next Thursday and is widely expected to hold the base rate at 3.75 per cent. A minority of analysts, however, now believe Threadneedle Street could be forced to raise rates later in the year to counter the inflationary fallout from the Middle East. Updated forecasts for inflation, growth and unemployment will accompany the decision.

Debt as a share of gross domestic product stood at 93.8 per cent, up 0.6 percentage points year on year and back at levels not seen since the 1960s.

The picture could worsen quickly. The Resolution Foundation warned in a report this month that a further escalation in the Middle East war could erase £16bn of the £23.6bn fiscal headroom Reeves carved out in her March spring statement. Under her own fiscal rules, the chancellor must balance day-to-day spending with tax receipts within five years.

Ellie Henderson, economist at Investec, said: “The spike in energy prices has likely dampened the outlook, with higher inflation increasing the cost of servicing index-linked gilts, and the slower growth forecasts constraining growth in potential tax receipts.”

The Treasury, for its part, is keen to claim credit. James Murray, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: “Our deficit is down [by] £19.8bn because of our plan to cut borrowing. In a volatile world the decisions we are taking are the right ones to keep costs down, take back our energy security and cut borrowing and debt.”

For British businesses, and especially the SMEs that make up the bulk of the country’s employers, the figures underline an uncomfortable truth: however benign March’s numbers appear, the margin for error has rarely been thinner.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

Advertisement

NEW YORK — StockMarketGuides.com has solidified its position as a go-to platform for data-driven traders in 2026, offering backtested stock and options alerts that emphasize historical performance over hype. With a growing community of retail and active traders seeking an edge in volatile markets, the service stands out for its transparent, statistics-focused approach to trade ideas.

Here are 10 essential things every investor and trader should know about StockMarketGuides.com this year:

1. Backtested Trade Alerts Are Its Core Strength The platform’s primary appeal lies in its proprietary scanners that only surface trade setups with proven historical track records. Every alert includes detailed backtest results showing win rates, average returns, and risk metrics. In 2026, this feature has become even more valuable as traders seek to avoid untested strategies in an uncertain economic environment.

2. Multiple Service Tiers Cater to Different Trading Styles StockMarketGuides.com offers three main paid services: Stock Investing Service for longer-term buy-and-hold ideas, Swing Trading Service for short- to medium-term chart-based setups, and Option Trading Service for higher-risk, higher-reward plays. Pricing ranges from around $29 to $95 per month depending on the tier, making it accessible for beginners while providing advanced tools for experienced users.

3. Strong Historical Performance Claims The swing trading and options services showcase impressive backtested annualized returns — often cited above 79% for swing trades and over 150% for options in promotional materials. While past performance does not guarantee future results, the transparency around these statistics helps users make informed decisions about which alerts align with their risk tolerance.

4. User-Friendly Scanners and Tools Beyond alerts, the platform provides free and paid scanners for chart patterns, technical indicators, candlestick patterns, and fundamental criteria. Traders can filter setups by sector, volatility, or specific technical conditions. In 2026, enhanced AI filtering has made these tools faster and more intuitive for daily use.

5. Educational Resources Support New Traders The site includes video tutorials, market commentary, and guides explaining trading concepts. This focus on education helps newer users understand not just what setups to trade, but why they work based on historical data. Many subscribers credit the learning materials with improving their overall trading discipline.

6. Active Community and Real User Feedback Testimonials from users across the United States highlight consistent profitability and time savings. Reviews frequently mention reduced research time and improved win rates after following the alerts. The platform maintains a clean reputation with minimal complaints about service quality or hidden fees.

7. Focus on Probability and Risk Management Unlike services that bombard users with dozens of daily signals, StockMarketGuides.com emphasizes high-probability setups with clear entry, exit, and risk parameters. This disciplined approach resonates with traders tired of emotional decision-making and overtrading.

8. Regular Updates and Market Adaptability The research team continuously refines scanning algorithms to adapt to changing market conditions. In 2026, updates have incorporated better volatility filters and sector rotation signals, helping users navigate the year’s shifting trends driven by interest rates and sector-specific news.

9. Strong Value Proposition Compared to Competitors At its price point, the service competes well against more expensive alert platforms. Users often note that the combination of backtested data, clean interface, and educational content delivers excellent return on investment for active traders who follow the recommendations consistently.

10. Transparent and Realistic Expectations The platform clearly states that all trading involves risk and that backtested results are not guarantees. This honesty has built trust among subscribers who appreciate the data-first philosophy over flashy promises of overnight riches.

StockMarketGuides.com continues to carve out a respected niche in 2026 by focusing on what serious traders actually need: reliable, transparent, and historically validated trade ideas rather than constant hype. For those willing to put in the work and follow a disciplined approach, the platform provides valuable tools that can enhance decision-making and potentially improve trading outcomes.

Whether you are a swing trader looking for chart-based opportunities, an options trader seeking high-probability setups, or a long-term investor wanting fundamentally sound picks, StockMarketGuides.com offers tailored solutions backed by extensive research. Its emphasis on education and historical performance makes it particularly suitable for traders who want to understand the “why” behind every recommendation.

As markets grow more complex with algorithmic trading and shifting economic conditions, tools like StockMarketGuides.com that cut through noise with data-driven insights become increasingly valuable. Traders in 2026 are turning to platforms that prioritize transparency and proven edges over speculative promises.

For anyone serious about improving their stock and options trading results, exploring StockMarketGuides.com could be a worthwhile step. The combination of powerful scanners, detailed backtesting, educational resources, and affordable pricing creates a compelling package for both beginners looking to learn and experienced traders seeking an extra edge.

NEW YORK — Tesla Inc. shares fell more than 1.5% in early trading Thursday, dipping to $381.62 by 9:48 a.m. EDT on April 23 as investors paused after a strong run and awaited clarity on the company’s delayed robotaxi unveiling and slowing electric vehicle demand.

The decline of $5.89, or 1.52%, came amid broader market strength, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average pushing above 49,000. Tesla’s move highlighted ongoing volatility in the stock despite its massive year-to-date gains and Elon Musk’s ambitious vision for autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.

Trading volume was moderate in the opening hour, suggesting the pullback reflected profit-taking rather than heavy selling pressure. The stock had climbed sharply in recent weeks on optimism around Full Self-Driving software updates and potential progress on the long-awaited robotaxi event, originally planned for earlier this year but now expected in late May or June.

Analysts pointed to several factors behind Thursday’s modest decline. Some investors locked in gains after Tesla’s strong performance earlier in April. Others grew cautious as new vehicle delivery numbers for the first quarter showed only modest growth compared with ambitious internal targets. Global EV competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, continues to pressure pricing and margins in key markets.

Tesla’s energy storage business has delivered impressive growth, helping offset softer automotive margins. The company’s Megapack deployments reached record levels, and executives highlighted strong demand for utility-scale projects. However, Wall Street remains laser-focused on the autonomous driving narrative that has underpinned much of Tesla’s premium valuation.

Musk has repeatedly teased major updates to Full Self-Driving software and the eventual launch of a dedicated robotaxi vehicle. Delays in these timelines have tested investor patience at times, though loyal supporters continue to bet on Musk’s ability to deliver breakthrough technology. The company’s Dojo supercomputer and growing artificial intelligence efforts also factor into bullish long-term theses.

At current levels, Tesla trades at a significant premium to traditional automakers on a price-to-earnings basis. Bulls argue the valuation reflects Tesla’s positioning as an artificial intelligence and robotics company rather than a pure electric vehicle manufacturer. Bears counter that execution risks remain high and that competition in both EVs and autonomous technology is intensifying rapidly.

The stock’s 52-week range shows significant movement, with sharp rallies followed by periods of consolidation. Retail investor enthusiasm, often visible on platforms like Reddit and X, continues to influence short-term trading patterns. Institutional ownership remains strong, with major funds maintaining sizable positions despite periodic volatility.

Looking ahead, several catalysts could shape Tesla’s trajectory in coming weeks. The company is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings in late April, where investors will scrutinize vehicle margins, energy storage growth and updates on the robotaxi timeline. Any positive surprises on Full Self-Driving regulatory approvals or new partnership announcements could quickly reverse Thursday’s early weakness.

Production of the Cybertruck has ramped up steadily, though delivery numbers have lagged behind initial hype. The vehicle’s unique design and high price point have created a dedicated customer base, but broader adoption faces hurdles including insurance costs and charging infrastructure limitations in some regions.

Tesla’s global expansion continues, with new factories and market entries providing long-term growth potential. However, trade tensions and regulatory challenges in key regions like Europe and China create ongoing uncertainty. The company has navigated these issues with mixed success, sometimes adjusting pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness.

For individual investors, Tesla remains one of the most watched and debated stocks in the market. Financial advisors often recommend limiting exposure due to its volatility, even as many long-term holders view dips as buying opportunities. The stock’s performance has created substantial wealth for early believers while testing the resolve of those who entered at higher valuations.

Broader market sentiment provided a relatively supportive backdrop on Thursday. Strong performance in technology and growth stocks helped limit downside across the sector. However, Tesla frequently charts its own course driven by company-specific news and Musk’s active presence on social media.

Options activity around Tesla remains elevated, with traders positioning for potential big moves around earnings and product events. Implied volatility levels suggest expectations of continued movement in either direction.

As trading progressed past the opening bell, the stock stabilized near its early lows with limited directional conviction. Analysts expected some consolidation in the near term but maintained varied outlooks for the remainder of 2026. Optimistic forecasts see Tesla pushing toward new highs if robotaxi progress meets expectations, while more cautious views warn of potential downside if delivery growth disappoints or competition intensifies further.

Tesla’s transformation from electric vehicle pioneer to artificial intelligence and robotics leader remains a central investment thesis for many shareholders. The company’s ability to execute on ambitious timelines will likely determine whether current valuations prove justified or overly optimistic.

Thursday’s modest decline represents a routine trading session for a stock known for dramatic swings. While the percentage move was small, it served as a reminder of Tesla’s sensitivity to sentiment shifts even during periods of relative market calm.

For followers of the company, the coming weeks promise important updates on product roadmaps, financial performance and strategic direction. Whether the early weakness on April 23 proves to be a minor dip or the start of a deeper correction will depend on upcoming developments and broader market conditions.

Tesla shares closed the previous session well above $387 before Thursday’s pullback. The stock has delivered substantial returns for long-term investors despite periodic volatility, cementing its status as one of the market’s most closely followed names.

As the trading day continued, all eyes remained on Tesla for any signs of renewed momentum or further weakness. The company’s unique position at the intersection of automotive, technology and artificial intelligence ensures it will stay in the spotlight regardless of daily price movements.

“Secretary Colin Powell received this gift from Indian Minister of Home Affairs Lal Krishna Advani,” the State Department said in its remarks written at the bottom of the elephant figurine.

In fact, it is one of the less than 50 gifts among the hundreds of those received by the Secretary of State over the year by foreign dignitaries that have been selected for display at the Exhibit Hall, in the centre of Henry S Truman Building, headquarters of the State Department, official sources said.

Describing the gift, the State Department said, “with royal aplomb, the great man rides in the howdah, or canopied seat, as the mahout or guide in front leads the elephant”.

“This colourful cloisonne figurine harks back to times when elephants were an indispensable part of Indian life – for transportation, fighting battles, protecting land and traversing forests,” it said.

Live Events

The elephant figurine was made by Neeru Goel, an Indian artist from Bengal, who specialises in enamelware sculptures.
The Department officials, while explaining the reason for the selection of this particular gift from India to be displayed at the exhibition hall, said that elephants are a cultural icon of the country, which over centuries have become a status symbol representing wealth, wisdom, and strength.

A growing number of Californians are fleeing the Golden State as the cost of living climbs, and many are coming out ahead financially.

Facing sky-high housing prices and rising everyday expenses, residents are relocating to more affordable areas where the savings can be substantial. On average, movers end up in neighborhoods with monthly housing costs about $672 lower.

After seven years, they are 48% more likely to own a home than those who stay, according to the California Policy Lab’s recent report, “Priced Out: Relocation Amidst California’s Affordability Crisis.”

The skylines of Los Angeles, California, left, and Miami, Florida. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The study analyzed anonymized credit bureau data tracking migration patterns from 2016 to 2025.

“We expected to see people moving to cheaper locations in other states, but our analysis showed the average costs dropping by nearly $400,000 – that’s a key data point for families who want to become homeowners,” Evan White, executive director of the California Policy Lab, told FOX Business.

BILLIONAIRES AND BUSINESSES FUEL GROWING EXODUS FROM BLUE STATES

The California state flag flies on a pole against a blue sky. (iStock)

“The likelihood of becoming a homeowner increased by nearly 50% for those who left California. That’s a big difference,” he added.

Even in its less expensive regions, California remains costly compared to much of the country.

Residents pay about 11% more for groceries, 40% more for gas and 61% more for utilities than the national average, according to the report.

“When people leave California, they move to much more affordable locations,” White said. “This suggests that California’s high costs of living factor into their decision to move, or at least their choice of destination.”

While incomes in destination states are often slightly lower, reduced housing and living expenses tend to outweigh those differences, the study notes.

Most relocations are to nearby, lower-cost states rather than across the country.

RED & BLUE DIVIDE: STATES PUSH COMPETING TAX PLANS AS VOTERS WEIGH CHANGES IN ELECTION CYCLE

An aerial view shows a residential neighborhood in Las Vegas. (iStock)

Nevada leads as the top destination, followed by Idaho, Oregon and Arizona.

“I was surprised to see that people were most likely to leave California for nearby states, like Nevada and Idaho, and not for Texas and Florida, which gets so much media attention,” White said.

The trend also spans income levels.

A growing share of those leaving come from higher-income areas, though many show signs of financial strain, such as higher debt and lower credit scores compared to their peers.

“What happens to California over the long-term is in the hands of policymakers. Presently, they seem focused on lowering the costs of living, but it takes a long time to ‘turn the ship’ on these issues,” White said.

A person hands a set of house keys to another person. (iStock)

“But people should temper their expectations about what success means. Costs are unlikely to fall dramatically, but we may be able to slow their growth. California will always be more expensive than other states, simply because it is a more desirable place to live.”

FOREIGN BUYERS EYE LUXE LA HOMES AS PROPOSED WEALTH TAX PUSHES BILLIONAIRES OUT OF CALIFORNIA

The migration trend also comes as California lawmakers weigh new taxes targeting the ultra-wealthy, including a proposed 2026 ballot measure that would impose a one-time 5% tax on individuals worth more than $1 billion.

Kevin Brady, former House Ways and Means Committee chairman and an advisor to Americans for Free Markets, previously told FOX Business that steep taxes and heavy regulation are driving businesses and individuals to leave blue states, calling it “the economic story of the decade.”

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“I don’t know why California continues to tax its businesses and people just so brutally,” Brady said. “It’s a beautiful state, it is a dynamic state, but they’re chasing out – not just the wealthy and not just businesses – but their young people.”