Top 5 California Cities Moving Abroad (and How We Help!)
More and more Californians are choosing to take their lives global, and the reasons are as diverse as the Golden State itself. Whether it’s for economic opportunity, lower cost of living, retirement, family reunification, or the pursuit of a new adventure, the desire to move abroad has grown dramatically since 2020.
And while headlines often focus on people leaving California for other U.S. states, the real story includes a significant rise in international relocation. At SDC International Shipping, we’ve seen a year-over-year increase in clients heading to destinations like Spain, France, Australia, Canada, the UK, and Portugal—many of them from California’s largest cities.
What’s behind the trend? A few key motivators:
- Cost of living: Clients are seeking more affordable lifestyles overseas, particularly in countries with healthcare and housing advantages.
- Quality of life: Slower pace, better work-life balance, and walkable cities top the list of lifestyle reasons.
- Work flexibility: With remote work becoming the norm in tech and consulting, location is no longer tied to the office.
- Dual citizenship and family ties: Many clients hold or qualify for passports from EU or Latin American countries.
And then there’s California itself: home to dreamers, travelers, and global thinkers. So it makes sense that more Californians than ever are building new lives overseas—and SDC is the partner helping them get there.
Breakdown of the Top 5 Cities and Their Trends
We’ve compiled data from hundreds of international moves handled by SDC across California. Here are the top five cities where clients are most frequently relocating abroad, and what makes each city unique in its global moving patterns.
| City | Most Common Destinations | Key Client Types |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | UK, France, Australia | Entertainment, tech, retirees, families |
| San Francisco | Spain, Germany, Netherlands | Tech, finance, digital nomads |
| San Diego | Mexico, Japan, Portugal | Military, biotech, academics, retirees |
| San Jose | India, Canada, UK | Engineers, healthcare, dual nationals |
| Fresno | Mexico, Canada, Philippines | Families, students, agricultural professionals |
These cities represent a cross-section of California’s economic and cultural diversity—and a wide array of moving needs. From downtown high-rise moves in LA to agricultural community relocations in the Central Valley, SDC tailors every move to meet specific client goals.
How SDC Supports Each Region’s Needs
What sets SDC International Shipping apart is our ability to serve clients not only across California—but in ways that respect the unique pace and character of each region. Here’s how we do it:
Los Angeles
We coordinate building access with HOAs and property managers, provide custom crating for film and photography gear, and facilitate fast-track bookings for time-sensitive moves tied to production schedules or expiring leases.
San Francisco
Our Bay Area specialists understand how to move from tight urban cores and deal with parking restrictions, narrow staircases, and older architecture. We offer consolidated shipments to Europe and expert customs documentation for clients with dual citizenship.
San Diego
We support military PCS, bilingual relocation support for Latin America, and partnerships with biotech firms for high-value equipment moves. Our proximity to Mexico facilitates quick port-to-door logistics and reduced freight costs.
San Jose
SDC’s Silicon Valley team provides discreet, white-glove service for executives and engineers. We also assist families with staggered shipments, split containers, and remote customs paperwork assistance for global moves to Canada, India, and beyond.
Fresno
In Central California, we bring full-service packing, inland transport, and port logistics for rural and agricultural clients moving abroad. Our bilingual teams ensure clients feel understood and supported throughout the process.
From coastal cities to the Central Valley, SDC’s approach is never one-size-fits-all. It’s built on our belief that where you’re coming from matters just as much as where you’re going.
Our Most Requested Destinations from California Clients
Every California city has a unique global connection, but some international destinations consistently rise to the top of our request list. Based on thousands of successful moves from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, and Fresno, here are the most popular destinations and why Californians are drawn to them:
- Spain – Loved for its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Spain remains a favorite among remote workers and retirees alike. Cities like Barcelona and Valencia offer walkability, beach access, and robust expat communities.
- France – Particularly popular among LA and Bay Area creatives, France offers an ideal mix of old-world charm and modern convenience. Our clients often relocate to Paris or the countryside, where art, architecture, and lifestyle converge. (See our guide to moving to France)
- Australia – Australians welcome skilled migrants and students, making Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane attractive for professionals and families. From San Diego and San Jose, we regularly coordinate moves that include both air and sea freight.
- Canada – With its proximity, stable economy, and shared language, Canada is a top pick for tech workers, healthcare professionals, and retirees. Vancouver and Toronto are top relocation targets for those leaving California’s high costs.
- Portugal – This hidden gem has skyrocketed in popularity due to the D7 visa program and affordable living. Californians—especially from San Francisco and Fresno—appreciate Portugal’s climate, pace, and international schools.
- UK – London remains a powerhouse for work opportunities, education, and dual citizenship holders. Our LA and San Jose teams manage regular shipments to the UK, especially among clients in law, media, and finance.
No matter the destination, SDC provides tailored planning that ensures your belongings comply with customs rules, local delivery standards, and cultural expectations.
Stories from the Golden State: Real Moves, Real People
At SDC, we believe your international move should be more than just boxes and shipping containers—it should be a well-supported, transformational experience. That belief is reflected in the stories we hear from our clients across California.
Tina from San Jose “I had to move to Canada in just 3 weeks for a new job. SDC handled everything—from crating my monitors and office gear to clearing customs. I didn’t lose a single day of work.”
Luis and Maribel from Fresno “We wanted to retire in Mexico and were worried about moving our belongings through customs. SDC walked us through the entire process. Everything arrived on time and in perfect condition.”
Rebekah from Los Angeles “My move to France involved two cats, ten paintings, and one very fragile piano. SDC made it happen. They handled everything. I didn’t even know international movers could be this good.”
These are just a few of the thousands of Californians who have trusted SDC to move them across borders. Each story reinforces our mission: to deliver more than a service—we deliver peace of mind.
Plan Your Move with California’s International Moving Experts
Whether you’re relocating from a beachside condo in Santa Monica, a San Jose tech hub, or a Fresno farm, your journey deserves care, clarity, and confidence. That’s what SDC International Shipping delivers.
Our services include:
- Professional packing and custom crating
- Air freight, sea freight, and consolidated groupage
- Short- and long-term storage solutions in California and abroad
- International moving insurance and customs compliance
- Door-to-door delivery and unpacking upon request
We serve all of California—from urban centers to rural towns—and support moves to over 150 countries. With dedicated teams across the state, we offer local knowledge, global connections, and full-service execution.
👉 Request your free quote today or call 877-339-0267 to speak with a relocation specialist.
Let’s take the stress out of your international move, so you can focus on what’s next.
