Moving to a new state can be expensive. Between moving costs, rent deposits, housing expenses, transportation, utilities and other relocation costs, starting over somewhere new can quickly require thousands of dollars.

But what if the destination helped pay for your move?

Across the United States, a growing number of states, cities and local economic development organisations offer relocation incentives to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, families and new homeowners.

Depending on the programme, eligible newcomers may receive cash relocation assistance, mortgage assistance, down payment assistance, moving expense reimbursement, free internet, co-working memberships and other financial incentives.

Some programmes offer several thousand dollars, while certain home-buying incentives can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

However, these programmes aren’t simply free money. Most have eligibility requirements. You may need to have a remote job, earn a minimum salary, purchase a home, move from another state or agree to remain in the community for a specified period.

Here are some of the US locations where you may be able to get paid to relocate in 2026.

Key Takeaways

Several US states and communities offer relocation incentives to attract new residents.
Incentives can include cash payments, moving assistance, mortgage assistance and down payment assistance.
Remote workers and self-employed professionals are among the most common targets.
Some programmes offer additional benefits such as free internet, co-working memberships, outdoor recreation passes and wellness benefits.
Certain incentives are specifically designed for people purchasing a home rather than renting.
Eligibility requirements vary considerably, so applicants should check the current programme rules before moving.
Many programmes require applicants to live outside the destination state before applying.
Some programmes require participants to remain in the community for one or more years.

Why Are States Paying People to Move?

Relocation incentives are primarily an economic development strategy.

Smaller cities and rural communities often want to attract new workers, entrepreneurs, families and homeowners. Bringing in new residents can increase the local workforce, support small businesses, strengthen the housing market and increase demand for local services.

Remote work has made this strategy particularly attractive.

A person can work for a company based in another state while living in a smaller community with a lower cost of living. For the community, that can mean gaining a new resident without necessarily needing to create a local job.

For the individual, the combination of a remote salary, lower housing costs and a relocation bonus can make moving considerably more affordable.

Alaska

Alaska has one of the country’s longest-running programmes for distributing money to residents: the Permanent Fund Dividend.

Created in 1976, the programme distributes a portion of Alaska’s investment earnings to eligible residents each year. The annual payment varies depending on the state’s investment performance and other factors.

Unlike many relocation incentive programmes, the Permanent Fund Dividend isn’t specifically designed for remote workers or people moving into a particular town.

Eligibility is based primarily on Alaska residency requirements.

Applicants may need to provide documentation demonstrating that Alaska is their primary residence. Examples of supporting documents can include:

W-2 forms
Alaska driver’s licence
Vehicle registration
Voter registration
Mortgage or escrow documents
Lease agreements
Other documentation demonstrating Alaska residency

The programme is therefore different from a traditional state relocation incentive. Rather than receiving a one-time payment simply for moving, eligible residents may qualify for an annual dividend while maintaining Alaska residency.

Oklahoma

Tulsa Remote — Up to $10,000

One of the best-known relocation programmes in the United States is Tulsa Remote.

The programme is designed primarily for remote workers who want to relocate to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Eligible participants can receive up to $10,000 in relocation assistance, distributed according to the programme’s payment structure after they relocate and establish residency.

Typical eligibility requirements include:

Being at least 18 years old
Being authorised to work in the United States
Having full-time remote employment or being self-employed
Living outside Oklahoma at the time of application
Being able to relocate to Tulsa within the required timeframe

Applicants may also go through an interview process before receiving an offer.

Once accepted, participants generally need to provide proof of residency, such as a lease or mortgage documentation.

The programme can be particularly attractive to remote employees, digital professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs who can work from anywhere.

Additional Tulsa Remote Benefits

The financial incentive isn’t the only benefit.

Participants may also receive access to community and professional resources, including co-working opportunities and programmes designed to help newcomers build professional and social connections in Tulsa.

For remote workers trying to reduce their cost of living while maintaining a US salary, Tulsa can therefore offer an interesting combination of relocation assistance and lower housing costs compared with many major metropolitan areas.

West Virginia

Ascend West Virginia — Up to $12,000

West Virginia has developed one of the more attractive relocation packages for remote workers through Ascend West Virginia.

The programme has offered eligible newcomers financial incentives combined with outdoor recreation and professional networking benefits.

Participants can receive an initial relocation incentive, with additional money available for those who remain in the state for an additional period.

The programme is particularly attractive to people who enjoy outdoor activities. West Virginia offers extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, rafting, skiing and other recreational activities.

Participants may also receive access to:

Outdoor recreation benefits
Co-working spaces
Professional networking
Community events
Educational and professional development opportunities

Applicants generally need to live outside West Virginia and work remotely for an employer located outside the state or operate a business that can be managed remotely.

If accepted, participants must relocate within the programme’s required timeframe.

For remote professionals looking for affordable places to live in the US, West Virginia can be worth considering because the financial incentive is combined with relatively affordable housing in many communities.

Kansas

Choose Topeka — Up to $15,000

Topeka, Kansas, has used relocation incentives to attract new workers and residents through the Choose Topeka programme.

Eligible participants can receive up to $15,000, depending on whether they rent or purchase a home.

The programme has traditionally offered:

Up to $10,000 for qualifying renters
Up to $15,000 for qualifying home buyers

Applicants must satisfy programme requirements and establish residency in the Topeka area.

This makes the programme particularly interesting for people comparing renting versus buying a home after relocating.

For individuals already planning a move, a relocation incentive can potentially offset some of the costs associated with:

Security deposits
Moving companies
Furniture
Closing costs
Home improvements
Other relocation expenses

Michigan

Move to Michigan — Up to $15,000 Plus Additional Benefits

Southwest Michigan has offered incentives designed to attract remote workers who are prepared to purchase a home in participating communities.

The Move to Michigan programme can provide significant financial assistance to qualifying home buyers.

The programme has included mortgage assistance and additional benefits for eligible participants.

Applicants generally need to:

Live outside Michigan
Have qualifying employment outside Michigan
Purchase or build a qualifying home
Meet the minimum home value requirement
Establish Michigan residency
Obtain a Michigan driver’s licence
Make Michigan their primary residence

The programme is focused on selected communities in Southwest Michigan, including:

St. Joseph
Benton Harbor
St. Joseph Charter Township
Royalton Township
Benton Charter Township
Oronoko Charter Township
Lake Charter Township
Lincoln Charter Township
Stevensville

One of the most appealing aspects is that qualifying participants can also receive additional lifestyle benefits.

Depending on programme availability, benefits may include:

Co-working space
Gym and wellness memberships
Golf access
Regional transportation benefits
Park and beach access
Community and professional networking opportunities

For someone already considering buying a home in Michigan, the combination of mortgage assistance and other benefits could substantially reduce the upfront cost of relocation.

Iowa

Greater Cedar Rapids — Up to $9,050

Greater Cedar Rapids has offered relocation incentives through MakeMyMove to attract remote workers and professionals.

Eligible participants may receive incentives worth thousands of dollars.

Typical requirements include:

Being at least 18 years old
Living outside Iowa
Meeting the programme’s household income requirement
Having full-time remote employment or being self-employed
Being able to work remotely
Establishing primary residence in Cedar Rapids, Marion or Hiawatha

The programme can be particularly useful for remote workers who want to relocate to a smaller metropolitan area while potentially reducing their housing costs and cost of living.

Indiana

Relocation Incentives of Up to $20,000

Indiana has offered relocation programmes across multiple communities, with incentives varying by location.

Some participating communities have offered incentives ranging from approximately $5,000 to $20,000.

Many programmes target:

Remote workers
Entrepreneurs
Skilled professionals
Families
People relocating from another state

Eligibility requirements vary between communities.

Some programmes require applicants to have a full-time remote job, while others may have specific income, employment or housing requirements.

Indiana is particularly interesting because relocation incentives are not necessarily limited to one city. Different communities can create their own packages to attract new residents.

Applicants should therefore compare the individual programmes rather than assuming that every Indiana relocation incentive has the same requirements.

Minnesota

Bemidji — Moving Assistance and Other Benefits

Bemidji, Minnesota, has attracted remote workers through relocation initiatives designed to make moving to the area more affordable.

One programme has offered up to $2,500 in moving expense assistance, along with additional benefits such as a co-working membership and high-speed internet.

For remote workers, these benefits can be particularly valuable.

A reliable internet connection is essential for people working from home, while co-working access can provide an alternative to working from a bedroom or kitchen table.

The programme may therefore appeal to professionals looking for remote jobs, affordable housing and a lower cost of living outside America’s largest cities.

Nebraska

Pawnee City — Up to $50,000 in Down Payment Assistance

Nebraska has one of the most eye-catching housing incentives on this list.

Through the Vision 2030 initiative in Pawnee City, eligible residents may receive up to $50,000 in down payment assistance towards a qualifying newly built home.

This is very different from receiving $50,000 in unrestricted cash.

The incentive is tied to purchasing a qualifying new home in the community, making it primarily relevant to people who are ready to become homeowners.

For a buyer struggling to save enough money for a mortgage down payment, an incentive of this size could significantly reduce the amount of money required upfront.

However, prospective applicants should carefully review the current programme rules, property requirements and availability before making financial decisions.

North Dakota

Rural Attorney Relocation Incentive — Up to $45,000

North Dakota has used incentives to attract legal professionals to rural communities.

The programme can provide qualifying attorneys with significant financial assistance for relocating to participating rural areas.

In exchange, participants are generally expected to work full-time for an eligible rural law firm and remain in the participating community for a specified period.

The commitment can extend to several years.

This is an example of how relocation incentives aren’t always designed for remote workers.

Some communities offer professional relocation incentives because they have difficulty attracting people in essential or specialised professions.

Similar strategies can be found in areas attempting to recruit healthcare professionals, teachers, engineers and other skilled workers.

Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky — Up to $5,000

Eastern Kentucky has offered relocation assistance for remote workers who move to participating communities.

The programme has targeted professionals who can work remotely while enjoying the lower housing costs and outdoor lifestyle associated with parts of Eastern Kentucky.

Eligibility can include requirements such as:

Being at least 18 years old
Being a US citizen
Having full-time remote employment or being self-employed
Meeting a minimum income requirement
Relocating to an eligible community

Participating areas can include communities around the Red River Gorge and other parts of Eastern Kentucky.

For remote workers interested in affordable housing and outdoor recreation, the region can be an alternative to expensive major cities.

Illinois

Mattoon — Moving Assistance and Other Benefits

Mattoon, Illinois, has offered relocation incentives through MakeMyMove for qualifying remote workers.

The programme has included:

A $5,000 relocation stipend
Local gift cards
Free internet for a specified period

Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including living a specified distance from Mattoon and committing to remain in the community for the required period.

The programme demonstrates another approach to attracting remote workers: combining direct moving expenses assistance with benefits that encourage new residents to spend money at local businesses.

Who Qualifies for Relocation Incentives?

There isn’t one universal eligibility requirement for states and communities that pay people to move.

Every programme has its own rules.

However, many relocation incentive programmes look for people who meet several of the following criteria:

You live outside the destination state

Many programmes are specifically designed to attract new residents from other states.

Simply moving from one neighbourhood to another within the same state may not qualify.

You work remotely

Remote workers are one of the biggest target groups.

Applicants may need to prove that they work full-time for an employer outside the destination area.

You meet an income requirement

Some programmes require applicants to earn a minimum annual salary.

Income requirements can range from moderate household income thresholds to significantly higher amounts for certain programmes.

You are self-employed

Some programmes accept business owners and self-employed professionals provided their work can be performed remotely.

You agree to remain in the area

Relocation incentives are generally designed to create permanent or long-term residents.

As a result, you may have to live in the community for one, two, three or even five years.

You purchase a home

Some of the largest incentives are actually home-buying programmes.

In these cases, the money may be restricted to:

Down payment assistance
Mortgage assistance
Closing costs
New home construction
Qualifying property purchases

How to Apply for a Relocation Incentive

Before packing your belongings, make sure you understand the programme requirements.

Moving first and applying later can result in losing your eligibility.

A typical application process may look like this:

1. Find a programme

Search for state, city and county relocation incentives that match your situation.

Pay particular attention to programmes designed for:

Remote workers
Home buyers
Entrepreneurs
Skilled professionals
Families
Self-employed workers

2. Check the eligibility requirements

Read the programme’s rules carefully.

Check requirements relating to:

Current residence
Employment
Income
Age
Citizenship or work authorisation
Home ownership
Distance from the destination
Residency commitment

3. Gather your documents

You may need documents such as:

Proof of employment
Recent pay slips
Tax documents
Proof of address
Lease or mortgage documents
Identification
Employment verification
Proof of remote work

4. Apply before relocating

This is extremely important.

Some programmes require applicants to receive approval before moving.

Relocating first could make you ineligible.

5. Wait for approval

Some programmes have limited funding and may accept only a certain number of applicants.

Being eligible doesn’t always guarantee that you will receive an incentive.

6. Complete your relocation

Once approved, follow the programme’s instructions for establishing residency.

You may need to sign a lease, purchase a property, obtain a driver’s licence or provide other proof that you have moved.

7. Claim your benefits

Depending on the programme, payments may be made through:

Direct deposits
Monthly instalments
Moving reimbursements
Mortgage credits
Down payment assistance
Gift cards
Community benefits

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Another State?

Even when a state or city offers relocation assistance, moving can still require substantial upfront capital.

Your expenses could include:

Professional movers
Moving trucks
Fuel
Temporary accommodation
Security deposits
First month’s rent
Utility deposits
Storage
Furniture
Travel
Home inspection
Mortgage closing costs
Insurance
Vehicle transportation

This is why a relocation bonus should not automatically be treated as pure profit.

For example, a $10,000 relocation incentive sounds substantial, but a cross-country move could consume several thousand dollars before you even establish your new home.

The best programmes are therefore those where the incentive works alongside a lower cost of living, affordable housing market and strong employment opportunities.

Tips for Planning a Move to a State That Pays You

If you qualify for a relocation incentive, plan your move carefully.

Compare Moving Companies

Obtain quotes from several professional moving companies before choosing one.

Compare:

Total moving costs
Insurance coverage
Packing services
Storage fees
Delivery times
Additional charges

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest quote. A low initial estimate can increase if the company adds extra fees.

Research Housing Costs

A relocation payment won’t necessarily make an expensive city affordable.

Compare:

Median home prices
Average rent
Property taxes
Home insurance
Utilities
Transportation
Healthcare
Childcare
Food costs

Your objective should be to calculate the total cost of living, rather than focusing only on the relocation bonus.

Calculate Your After-Tax Income

If you’re moving for a remote job, examine how the move could affect your overall finances.

Consider:

Federal income tax
State income tax
Local taxes
Property taxes
Insurance
Retirement contributions
Healthcare costs

A state with a generous relocation incentive isn’t necessarily the cheapest place to live long-term.

Visit Before Moving

If possible, visit the community before signing a lease or buying property.

Look at:

Neighbourhoods
Schools
Healthcare facilities
Grocery stores
Restaurants
Public transport
Internet availability
Recreation
Crime statistics
Employment opportunities

A place can look attractive online but feel very different once you actually live there.

Are Relocation Incentives Really Worth It?

They can be, particularly if you’re already planning to move.

A $5,000 or $10,000 incentive can offset a meaningful portion of moving expenses, while a $20,000 or $50,000 home-buying incentive can potentially make it easier to purchase a property.

However, the biggest mistake is moving somewhere solely because the government or local organisation offers you money.

Consider the entire financial picture.

Ask yourself:

How much will housing cost?

What will my monthly expenses be?

Will my remote job remain stable?

How long must I remain in the community?

What happens if I move away early?

Can I afford the property without the incentive?

Is the payment taxable?

Are there restrictions on how I can use the money?

These questions can help you determine whether a relocation programme is genuinely beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What states will pay you to move there?

Several states and communities have offered relocation incentives, including programmes in Alaska, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kentucky and Illinois.

However, many incentives are administered by cities, counties or economic development organisations rather than the state government itself.

What state will pay me $10,000 to move there?

Programmes such as Tulsa Remote in Oklahoma and relocation initiatives in West Virginia have offered incentives around the $10,000 level to qualifying applicants.

Eligibility and payment amounts can change, so always verify the current programme requirements.

Where can I get $50,000 to move?

Pawnee City, Nebraska, has offered up to $50,000 in down payment assistance through its Vision 2030 initiative for qualifying new-home purchases.

The money is not necessarily unrestricted cash and is tied to the programme’s housing requirements.

Do states really pay people to move?

Yes. States, cities and local economic development organisations have offered legitimate relocation incentives to attract new residents.

However, these programmes generally have strict eligibility requirements and limited funding.

Do I have to work remotely?

Not always.

Remote workers are a major target for many programmes, but other incentives are designed for home buyers, attorneys, entrepreneurs and workers in specific professions.

Can I get paid to move if I work from home?

Potentially.

Remote workers are among the most common beneficiaries of relocation incentive programmes. You may need to prove that you have full-time employment or self-employment that allows you to work remotely.

Do relocation incentives pay for moving costs?

Some do.

Depending on the programme, assistance may come as a cash payment, moving expense reimbursement, housing assistance, down payment assistance or other benefits.

Do I have to buy a house?

No, not always.

Some programmes allow renters to participate, while others are specifically designed for people purchasing or building a home.

Can I apply after moving?

Often, no.

Many relocation programmes require applicants to receive approval before relocating. Always read the programme rules before signing a lease or purchasing a home.

Final Thoughts

States and communities that offer relocation incentives are becoming increasingly attractive to remote workers, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and people looking for affordable places to live in America.

The incentives can range from a few thousand dollars in moving assistance to tens of thousands of dollars in mortgage and down payment assistance.

But the payment should only be one part of your decision.

Before relocating, compare the cost of living, housing market, employment situation, taxes, healthcare, schools and quality of life in your prospective destination.

For the right person, however, a relocation incentive can turn an expensive cross-country move into a much more affordable opportunity — especially when combined with remote employment and lower housing costs.

Always check the official programme website for current eligibility rules, funding availability and application deadlines before making a relocation decision.