For the third year in a row, more people are moving out of Massachusetts than in, according to a new report. 

United Van Lines’ 47th Annual National Movers Study found that while previous moves were pandemic driven, last year, people were looking to relocate to less expensive areas that offered similar amenities as larger metros, with affordability being the most significant consideration. 

Massachusetts ranked No. 7 of the top 10 outbound states in 2023 with an outbound rate of  56.6%%. The inbound rate was 43.4%. 

According to the study’s findings, 18% of residents said they left the Bay State behind for retirement, 2.8% for health reasons, 19.2% for family, 16% due to lifestyle changes, 28.4% for a new job or job transfer and 2.4% said cost was the trigger. 

New Jersey is seeing the most outbound movement, followed by Illinois, North Dakota, New York and Michigan to round out the top five. California has the sixth biggest movement, followed by Massachusetts and Kansas.

Eily Cummings, United Van Lines vice president of corporate communications, said they’re continuing to see the trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, with many heading to Southern states. 

“Movers are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as the price of housing, regional climates, urban planning and job growth,” Cummings said. 

But where are they moving to? The study found folks are relocating to less expensive areas with less housing market competition. 

For the third year in a row, residents are moving to Vermont more than any other state, with 65% of moves inbound. That’s followed by Washington, D.C., South Carolina, Arkansas and Rhode Island to round out the top five states.