Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang urged people to move to or stay in California despite the state’s high taxes, saying the weather makes it worthwhile.
“I say to everybody, ‘Move to California. Don’t leave. It’s the highest taxes in the world, but it’s OK,’” Huang said. “The weather is great.”
Huang made the remarks on April 9, 2026, during an event at Stanford University alongside Rep. Ro Khanna and former national security adviser H.R. McMaster, according to Bloomberg.
The Nvidia CEO has repeatedly emphasized that Silicon Valley’s deep talent pool is the primary reason he and the company remain based in California. In a January 2026 interview, he said he is “perfectly fine” with higher taxes because “that’s where the talent pool is.”
The comments come as California considers a proposed one-time 5 percent wealth tax on individuals with a net worth of $1 billion or more. The measure, known as the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, would raise roughly $100 billion over five years to fund health care, education and food assistance programs. It is a ballot initiative scheduled for the November 2026 election if it gathers the required signatures.
California has experienced significant net domestic out-migration in recent years, with a loss of more than 216,000 residents between 2024 and 2025, according to state and federal data. Los Angeles County recorded one of the largest population declines of any U.S. county. High cost of living, housing prices and tax policies have been cited as key factors driving residents and some high-net-worth individuals to leave the state.
Huang’s fortune is estimated at $152.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He has not indicated any plans to relocate Nvidia or leave California.
His remarks contrast with criticism from some other wealthy individuals who have expressed concerns about the state’s tax policies and their potential impact on businesses and residents.
The quote quickly went viral on social media after being highlighted by Polymarket on X.
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