The best places to move from California abroad with family combine warm weather, lower living costs, and opportunities for a better quality of life. 

Before leaving California, there will be many aspects to organize, chief among them, the financials. Planning a family relocation requires researching and developing a cross-border tax strategy, schooling abroad, and, in some cases, breaking California lease agreements. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top destinations for California families and share tips to ensure a smooth and financially sound transition overseas.

Why Move Abroad with Your Family from California?

California is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, making it increasingly difficult for families to manage living costs and long-term financial goals. 

California Home Prices Are Flat Year-Over-Year…At Arguably Unsustainable Rates

In May 2025, median California home prices were up 0.1% year-over-year, with a median sale price of $860,300. (1) Housing pressures seem to have converged with U.S political anxiety; the election results and subsequent actions taken by the Trump Administration have led to an increase in searches for information related to moving away from the U.S. These searches were especially concentrated in Los Angeles. (2)

Beyond Housing, Families Face Other Cost-of-Living Challenges 

High state taxes, childcare costs, and education expenses dominate financial planning and budgeting conversations in households throughout the state. 

For many, relocating abroad offers a solution to these pressures. 

Moving abroad as a family provides opportunities to significantly lower their cost of living while embracing cultural experiences and a better work-life balance. Family-friendly destinations in Europe, such as Spain, Portugal, and France, are particularly appealing for their relatively affordable housing, quality public services, and welcoming communities.

If you’re considering the best family destinations for a fresh start, moving abroad might be the key to achieving a higher quality of life and greater financial security.

The 4 Best Family-Friendly Places to Move from California Abroad

Many Californians are drawn to Spain, Portugal, and southern France. These countries offer family-friendly social infrastructures and the chance to leave behind California’s high expenses and complex state tax obligations.

Spain – The Blend of Culture, Climate, and Community

Barcelona, Murcia, and Seville consistently rank among the best places to live in Spain with family. Particularly with respect to higher education, Barcelona and Madrid stand out for their programs as a range of industries including business,

While quite distinct from one another, each offers warm weather, a lower cost of living than California, and family-friendly amenities. Spain’s public education system is free for residents, and most healthcare costs are covered by the national health system, Sistema Nacional de Salud, (SNS), largely funded by taxes. (3)

Beyond affordability, family life in Spain is enriched by the country’s rich culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. Common immigration pathways to Spain from the U.S. include the country’s non-lucrative visa, for retirees. Others find the digital nomad visa or other self-employment options the best fit for their situation – be sure to discuss your options with a Spanish immigration attorney to identify the best choice for you. 

With endless outdoor activities, family-oriented traditions, and safe urban environments, Spain offers a holistic living experience for families seeking a fresh start.

Portugal – Affordable and Welcoming for Families

Portugal is another top choice for California families looking to move abroad. Americans living in Portugal frequently cite its affordability relative to the US as a huge positive. Portugal boasts one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. (4) 

Lisbon and the Algarve region are family-friendly places in Portugal, popular due to their sunny climates, safe neighborhoods, and strong expat networks, making them ideal for California families abroad. While slightly less sunny, Porto is also emerging as a strong relocation destination. 

Education and healthcare are both affordable and accessible, with many international schools catering to English-speaking families. Moving to Portugal with kids is made easier through visas such as the D2, D7, and D8 visas, which provide long-term stability for families. For those seeking an affordable yet enriching lifestyle, Portugal is worth considering.

France – Beyond Paris: Family Life in the South

While Paris will always beckon to some, the southern regions of France offer an idyllic lifestyle for families.

Areas like Provence, the Côte d’Azur, and Occitanie are renowned for their mild climates, high-quality public services, and relaxed pace of life.

These regions are some of the most family-friendly places in France where families can enjoy a more affordable, slower pace of life, a strong public school system, and access to universal healthcare. 

Living abroad in France is possible through traditional or self-employment activity, with executive-level or highly-skilled migrants eligible for job sponsorship. 

You may also like our article on Retiring in France as an American (Financial Considerations)

Italy – Proud, Timeless Beauty and Family-Oriented Living

Italy combines a rich cultural heritage with a deeply family-centered lifestyle, making it a compelling option for work-weary Californians moving abroad. 

Cities like Florence and Lucca offer a slower pace of life, walkable city centers, and strong local traditions that prioritize community and family. Rome and Milan, of course, offer the most urban type of environment for active and busy families. However, specifically for quality of life, Bergamo, Trento, and Bolzano top local lists. 

Public education is free and mandatory starting at age six, and Italy’s national healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) provides universal coverage funded primarily through taxes.

While navigating Italian bureaucracy can be a challenge, the rewards include access to fresh local food, close-knit communities, and a more affordable cost of living compared to major California cities. 

Popular visa options for US citizens include Italy’s elective residency visa (for those with passive income) and the new digital nomad visa. 

With a decided lack of urgency (some may even say allergy to efficiency), intergenerational family bonds, and rich cultural experiences, Italy offers families a warm and grounded lifestyle.

Key Considerations Before Moving Abroad from California

Relocating abroad with your family is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning—especially when leaving a state like California with its high living costs and unique financial obligations. 

Navigating California’s Tax Implications

Leaving California comes with complex tax considerations, and it’s important to understand how the state defines residency for tax purposes. 

California’s tax laws are among the strictest in the U.S., and failing to establish clear residency abroad can lead to unexpected tax liabilities, such as residing in Portugal but still being liable for California state tax. 

Beware the “California Leaving Tax”

To successfully break California residency, you’ll need to file a final state tax return and meticulously plan your paperwork trail in order to claim non-residency status for the next tax year. 

Due to the complexities involved in severing residential ties to California, many families find that working and building a team of cross-border tax and financial professionals is a worthwhile investment for managing these challenges. 

By planning ahead, you can receive professional guidance on everything from how to time your move abroad to double taxation to streamlining your family’s financial transition.

Breaking Lease Agreements and Managing Property

If you’re renting in California, breaking a lease can feel daunting, especially with the state’s strict tenancy laws. (6) However, many families relocating for work or family reasons can legally terminate their leases with proper notice. 

For homeowners, deciding whether to sell, rent out, or manage their property remotely requires weighing potential tax implications, such as the implications of managing California residency from abroad, and long-term financial goals.

Understanding the logistics of moving abroad from California includes reviewing legal rights for lease termination and consulting professionals to evaluate the financial impact of selling or renting your home.

Researching Schooling Options Abroad

Education is one of the most important aspects of moving abroad with your family. Many families are drawn to family-friendly destinations like Spain, Portugal, and France for their high-quality public school systems, which often provide free or low-cost education for residents. Private or international schools may be better suited for non-native speakers and are common in major expat hubs. 

It’s also worth noting that homeschooling options are often restricted by the state, and certain advances the U.S. education system has made with respect to supporting neurodivergent, dyslexic, or historically underserved learners may be less robust in Europe. 

At a baseline, planning for your children’s education abroad should include researching:

• schooling options

• language requirements, and

• application timelines. 

How Liberty Atlantic Advisors Can Help You Move Abroad with Your Family

Leaving California’s high costs and complex taxes requires proactive planning. 

Liberty Atlantic Advisors specializes in creating cross-border financial plans adapted to your evolving needs to help families relocate smoothly to destinations like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.

We provide expat family support, wealth and investment management (particularly important for those facing the California exit tax), and cost-of-living adjustments so you can focus on your move. What’s more, this is a topic particularly close to our co-founders’ hearts, as both currently have young children in foreign schooling systems. 

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your relocation plans.

Moving Abroad from California with Family – FAQ

Do you get taxed for leaving California?

The exit tax rate stands at 0.4% on the net worth exceeding $30 million within a tax year. For married taxpayers filing separately, the threshold is reduced to $15 million. Certain real estate holdings within California may be exempt from the exit tax, but they are still subject to state taxes.

What is the 546-day rule in California?

To become a non-resident, a person must be outside of California for an uninterrupted period of at least 546 consecutive days.