The idea of being paid to live somewhere sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, guess what – it’s not just a fantasy! Across the U.S., several places are offering financial incentives to new residents. These programs are designed to attract individuals who are ready to make a move, ready to contribute to their communities, and excited to start a new chapter.
Whether you’re looking to downsize, relocate for a new job, you’re struggling to save up for a downpayment, or you just want a fresh start, these opportunities might be exactly what you need. From larger, busier cities to quaint, charming small towns, there are plenty of places that will pay you to live there.
1. Topeka, Kansas
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According to Choose Topeka, the Topeka, “An idealist needs only one thing to make their dream become reality; opportunity.” Topeka is a city that prides itself on being small enough for a hometown feel, but large enough for you to chase your dreams. Topeka shouts that they have a 10% lower cost of living, their average homes are $125k, and they’re willing to give up to $15k incentive for moving to their lovely city.
So, what’s the sitch? To qualify for this program, there are three benefit incentives to choose from: Employer Match, Boomerang, and Transitioning Military Service Membe – only one option can be applied for per household.
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Fun fact: Tulsa has more man-made lakes than any other city in the U.S.!
The average rent in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is $869 per month while the average price home-buyers can find for their next house is $240,000. These average costs – for both rent AND home-buying – are significantly lower than the national averages.
Tulsa Remote is a ‘we’ll pay you to live there’ incentive program designed to attract remote workers. The overall goal of the program is to attract people whose passions can help make Tulsa a more diverse and vibrant place to live. This program grants $10K and allows you to rent or purchase a home with just five requirements:
- You’re at least 18 years old
- You’re authorized to work in the U.S.
- You’re currently employed full-time, remotely, outside of Oklahoma
- You’re able to move to Tulsa within 12 months of approval
- You’ve lived outside of Oklahoma for one full year before applying
3. Various Areas in West Virginia
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It’s Almost Heaven – with no strings attached!
West Virginia is offering potential residents $12k along with an entire gift basket packed with outdoor benefits, self and career improvement courses, and ‘find your new inner circle’ acclimation after your move!
The qualification requirements for Ascend West Virginia are: “Move here for two years. No strings attached.” And with the average cost of rent sitting around $1,065 per month, and the median home value at $244,600, West Virginia and its $12k no-strings-attached-spend-however-you-want incentive (that begins disbursement after your FIRST month, by the way!) is looking more and more like your next place to move.
4. The Shoals, Alabama
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Remote Shoals, Alabama is one of the hidden gems in the U.S. with a rich musical history! It’s home to legendary recording studios and filled with vibrant arts and year-round music and arts festivals.
Remote Shoals is an incentive program created by Shoals, Alabama to encourage remote workers to join the Shoals community in Northwest Alabama. This program offers $10k to potential residents who are full-time or self-employed remote workers, make $52,000 or more per year, can relocate to the Shoals area within 6 months of being selected, live outside Colbert and Lauderdale counties, are 18 years or older, and eligible to work in the United States.
As of 2024, the average rent in Shoals, Alabama, is $897 per month while the average home value is around $246,8972. Both averages are lower than the national averages, making Shoals one of the more affordable places that pay you to live there.
5. Bemidji, Minnesota
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Minnesota is known for its many, stunning lakes – earning it the nickname “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” It’s also famous for the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, which are known as cultural hubs with vibrant arts scenes, fantastic food, and significant historical landmarks.
The 218 Relocate program is designed for remote workers who perform the majority of their job duties – that is outside of the Bemidji area – from a remote home office or co-working space within the Bemidji area. Qualified candidates must also relocate from a distance of 60 miles or greater, become a full-time resident of the 56601 area code, obtain internet service through Paul Bunyan Communications, and complete the Greater Bemidji Remote Worker Grant application. Although the monetary value of 218 Relocate is worth more than $2.4k, this program does not offer a lump sum of cash to participants.
The average rent in Bemidji, Minnesota, is approximately $835 per month, and the average home prices range near $301,000.
6. Newton, Iowa
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Newton, Iowa: where the Maytag Washing Machine Company turned dirty laundry into a clean history lesson! Newton has a pay-you-to-live-there incentive program called Newton Economic Development’s Housing Initiative. This provides incentives to home builders, real estate developers, property owners, and homebuyers.
The average home price in Newton, Iowa is around $245,000 and the average rent is $597 per month. With prices like that, Newton, Iowa is a very affordable place to live and if you buy a home in Newton, the Housing Initiative program will give you up to $10,000 cash along with a “Get to Know Newton” welcome package! That should free up some room in your budget to take in some races at the Iowa Speedway.
7. Baltimore, Maryland
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Ready to cut that commute in half and live closer to work? Baltimore City created the Live Near Your Work incentive program – that’s partially funded by employers and the City of Baltimore – to encourage employees to purchase homes closer to work.
This program has a set payout value for employees of specific companies, the list of 141 employers and incentive values (ranging from $2k-$19.5) can be found on the Live Near Your Work website – which also offers contact information for employees who don’t see their employers on the list but would like to take advantage of the program benefits.
In Baltimore, the average rent in Baltimore, Maryland, is $1,463 per month and the median home value in Baltimore is around $220,000.
8. Jackson, Michigan
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Jackson, Michigan is a top contender as one of the places that pay you to live there – the city is offering $25k in down-payment assistance! The city also encourages 100 Homes Program applicants to apply for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) down payment assistance program for an additional $10k. That’s a total of $35k towards your down payment if you’re approved!
The 100 Homes Program requires applicants to have household income that does not exceed 120% of the Area Median Income, live in the home as the primary residence, to submit documentation and certification of income, and to complete three steps for program acceptance.
The average home price in Jackson, Michigan, is around $182,412, and monthly rent costs average $922 per month.
9. Paducah, Kentucky
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In case you haven’t heard, Paducah wants YOU remote workers! The Paducah, Kentucky Remote Workers Incentive Program offers a package of incentives that is valued around $6.5k.
Individuals qualifying for the City of Paducah’s Remote Workers Incentive Program could get $2.5k reimbursement for relocation expenses, up to $70 internet reimbursement per month for 12 months, a 2% payroll tax waiver within the City of Paducah for 12 months, and a package of cultural and educational amenities valued at $1,150! Applicants must meet a series of qualifications and requirements to participate in the Paducah Remote Workers Incentive Program.
In Paducah, Kentucky, the average rent is $833 per month, and the median for home prices is around $203,255. These average rates are below the median compared to the national average, making it a relatively affordable place to live.
10. Alaska
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Time to put on your hiking boots and hit The Last Frontier! Alaska is known for being a massive, untamed wilderness that calls to those with a heightened nickname spirit of adventure, AND as one of the states that will pay you to move there.
Alaska’s Department of Revenue has a Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) designed to allow Alaskan residents to share revenue made by the state through natural resources and minerals – this revenue dividend is paid to qualified residents each year.
If you’re considering becoming a permanent resident of Alaska and taking advantage of the PFD (the 2023 payout was around $1.3k and the 2024 payout is close to $1.7k) the average rent in Alaska is around $1,950 per month – of course, varies depending on location – the average home costs in Alaska are approximately $350,000. Keep in mind the costs of purchasing a home can vary widely based on certain factors such as location, size, and condition of property.
To qualify for the PFD, you must answer a series of yes/no questions.
11. Texarkana, Texas
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Texarkana – yes, it’s a real city and not a fun name for the border of Texas and Arkansas – is physically one city that’s two separate municipalities divided by the state line between Texas and Arkansas! (So it DOES fall in both Texas and Arkansas, but also exists as its own place!)
You can even stand with one foot in Texas and one in Arkansas to snag a ‘two places at once’ selfie.
Make My Move is Texarkana’s ‘we’ll pay you to live here’ incentive program that is valued at $18k! This program includes a relocation fund of $5k, a free class at the University of Arkansas Hope – Texarkana, and a whole list of fun, free scholarships, memberships, and event opportunities! Average rent in Texarkana is between $677-$809 per month and the average home value in Texarkana ranges from $194,0983 to $235,000 (these ranges vary due to the state border – locations in the Texas portion of the city are typically a little more expensive.)
This program is currently looking for remote workers who:
- Are employed full-time, able to relocate while retaining their current positions
- Are self-employed with the ability to relocate while retaining current clients/portfolio
- Are at least 18 years old
- Earn $75 annually
- Reside outside of Arkansas state and live at least 75 miles outside of Texarkana
- Can relocate primary residence to Texarkana within 6 months
12. Michigan
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Michigan, although widely misunderstood, is known as The Great Lakes State. Surrounded by vast, large bodies of water – that nearly qualify as freshwater seas – on three sides, has limitless outdoor activities for every season.
The Michigander Scholars Program provides tech and engineering students with scholarship opportunities that range from $5 to $10k. As a state that pays you to live there, Michigan offers students a fantastic opportunity for education, growth, career development, and post-graduate internships to students considering relocating.
The average rent in Michigan is around $1,168 per month, and the average home value is approximately $247,638.
Dreaming of a Fresh Start?
Imagine getting paid to move into your next home. Imagine all the exciting possibilities that come with a fresh start… Whether you’re ready to put down some roots in a small town or take flight in the city of your dreams, the adventure of moving to a new place can bring a sense of newness to your routine. Embrace the change, meet new people, and explore the opportunities that await. Your new beginning is just around the corner, ready to unfold one step at a time!
Downsizing? Looking to store your boxes and other belongings in a storage unit during your move? Or are you ready to explore new, exciting places that pay you to live there? If you’re planning a move and need storage solutions, check out Sparefoot for all your storage needs. For more inspiration on new locations and moving tips, visit our blog and start your adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What State Will Pay You $20,000 To Move There?
Cumberland and Baltimore, Maryland are two cities that will pay you up to $20,000 to move there through their cities that pay you to live there programs!
Which Countries Will Pay You To Move There?
Several countries offer incentives to attract new residents, including financial rewards, tax benefits, and employment opportunities.
Some countries include:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Austria
- Italy
- Greece
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Japan
These programs aim to combat declining populations and boost local economies by encouraging people to relocate.
