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Differences in opportunities? Wage, unemployment and house-price effects on migration

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  • Rabe, Birgitta
  • P. Taylor, Mark

Abstract

Most previous empirical studies of individual migration choice analyze the reasons associated with out-migration from an origin location. In contrast, we model the migration decision within the context of potential destinations, using British panel data over the period 1991-2003. Contrary to earlier micro studies we show that regional differences in expected individual wages, employment opportunities, and house prices are important determinants of migration, thus confirming results of aggregate analyses. Moreover, we find that it is important to control for unobserved individual heterogeneity. After doing so, the effects on migration choice of individual unemployment and being a council tenant disappear.

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  • Rabe, Birgitta & P. Taylor, Mark, 2010. "Differences in opportunities? Wage, unemployment and house-price effects on migration," ISER Working Paper Series 2010-05, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:ese:iserwp:2010-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

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