A major problem with moving to these cities is the availability of comparable income and capable infrastructure for the incoming population. Any exodus from one high density area to another will have noticeable impact on the local economy. One that is inescapable is rising rent. Suggesting that renters relocating from California to Ohio will solve the rent crisis doesn’t account for those already living in these areas. It also doesn’t account for the population that a community was built to support and the systems put into stress to accommodate for them.

Above you replied to someone that mentioned living near Seattle. The impact of commuters leaving the Seattle area to the neighboring cities reaches as far north as Burlington, Bellingham, Blaine, and Ferndale. These are at times more than 2 hour commutes. Well above the parameters your solution describes. Within the past decade rents in these areas have steadily risen to meet demand. Pricing out many of the locals who were there before. Now, many who moved to these smaller towns are finding themselves in the same situation as the persons they originally displaced.

Sure if you were to search for affordable rents in these cities, there are some that come up from time to time. Though not nearly enough to support the growth these areas are experiencing.

I suppose what I mean to say is: This problem, like homelessness, cannot be solved by simply moving those affected elsewhere.

Source: In my last job I assisted with background checks for renters. One unit can receive hundreds of applicants. There simply is not enough housing for all that seek it.