These 10 Cities Will Actually Pay You to Move There

Relocating and making a big change in your life doesn’t always have to come with a massive price tag. In fact, several cities and towns offer relocation programs that include a cash incentive and even some free land. That means you could get reimbursed for some of your moving costs or part of a mortgage payment.

A few of these places even throw in bonus perks, like free internet or access to cultural or outdoor programs. While some of these opportunities specifically target remote workers, others are open to anyone who is looking to start fresh. Here’s a look at 10 cities that will pay you to move there in 2025. 

1. Texarkana, Texas & Arkansas

Median Rent*: $1,350
Typical Home Value**: $194,523

Texarkana straddles the border between East Texas and South Arkansas, and sits about 35 miles north of the Louisiana state line — AKA the "three corners." The city's name is actually a blend of all three states' names. Texarkana is known for its variety of cultural influences because its in such a unique area. Plenty of that culture is on full display at the city's Arts and Historical District.

The city created its "REDI...set...move!" campaign in fall 2024 to attract remote workers and college students. This package offers several cultural and monetary incentives like: $5,000 cash; two tickets to the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra; and membership to the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council. It also has some offers for college students, like a 25% tuition discount and one free class at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Altogether, these incentives total $18,100. To qualify, you must earn more than $75,000 annually, and you must move within six months of acceptance.

Check out housing availability here. And a tip: since Texarkana borders two states, you can check for homes either in Texas or Arkansas, but not both at once.

2. Elwood, Nebraska

Median Rent: Unknown
Typical Home Value: $391,835

People who are looking for a fresh start in a small, close-knit community may want to consider Elwood, Nebraska. This town is big on coming together, as it hosts various events like city-wide garage sales, a rodeo, and a parade. It's also known for its hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Elwood is offering (nearly) free lots of land measuring 110 feet by 115 feet. You would have to pay a $500 deposit, to be refunded when construction is complete, and a $50 building permit fee. Otherwise, the city said any U.S. citizen who can finish construction of their new home within the year qualifies. On top of that offer, the town said it will also give 10% down payment assistance for new construction homes, up to $25,000.

You can check out rentals and existing homes around Elwood here.

3. Hutchinson, Kansas

Median Rent: $823
Typical Home Value: $142,335

Hutchinson, Kansas, also known as "Hutch," is located an hour outside Wichita, Kansas, which is known for its arts scene and its ties to aviation history. But Hutch has its own reputation, specifically as the "Salt City" because of the salt mines underground that helped establish the city as it stands today. You can explore the Hutchinson Zoo and the Kansas Cosmosphere to learn all about exploring among the stars.

If you're looking for down payment assistance for a new home, Hutchinson's offers may entice you: receive a $5,000 homebuyer bonus when you close on your home, and get up to another $2,500 matched if you're buying your very first home there.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Hutchinson here.

4. Paducah, Kentucky

Median Rent*: $1,344
Typical Home Value**: $187,535

Paducah, Kentucky, boasts a rich arts and culture scene, plus a bustling riverfront and tempting food and drink options. Paducah seeks to attract remote workers with a package that comes out to about $6,500 — assuming an annual salary of $100,000.

The package includes a $2,500 relocation reimbursement, up to $70 a month for a year of internet service, a waiver of the city’s 2% payroll tax for one year, and about $1,150 worth of free tickets for cultural or educational amenities. These include special passes with partnering businesses like the state university, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the Paducah School of Art & Design, the River Discovery Center museum, the city’s art center and theater, the Sprocket entrepreneur hub and more. To qualify, you must be able to move within three months of acceptance.

Start your Paducah home or rental search here.

5. Jackson, Michigan

Median Rent*: $950
Typical Home Value**: $185,339

Jackson, Michigan is an outdoorsy town, focused on the beauty of its many parks, lakes, and its man-made waterfall known as The Cascades. Jackson emphasizes community connection through celebrations of its history and culture, like the Jackson Civil War Muster, which is one of the largest Civil War reenactments in the Midwest.

In keeping with its support of connecting with the outdoors, if you move there, this Midwest town will give you a one-year membership to its golf course and connect you with it's Parks and Trails volunteer organization. The biggest benefit, though, relates to housing.

Jackson won't pay you directly if you move there, but rather will give you up to $25,000 in down payment assistance to buy a new home through its 100 Homes program. There is a $175,000 home price cap if you want your house to qualify. If you buy a home at that price, the program's payment assistance amounts to an almost 15% down payment for a home within the cap. To qualify for this program, you need to earn at least $70,800 a year.

Check out homes and rentals in Jackson right here.

6. Baltimore, Maryland

Median Rent in Baltimore: $1,600
Typical Home Value: $187,328

Located less than 50 miles from Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland (pictured above), is known for its proximity to the nation’s capital and the Chesapeake Bay, a popular fishing and crabbing destination. The Maryland Zoo and Fort McHenry, a national monument and historic landmark, are also big hits.

More than 100 employers are part of Baltimore’s Live Near Your Work Program, which pays people to live in the city. While the monetary values differ depending on which company you work for, they start at $2,000 and go up to $19,500. Baltimore residents who work for an eligible company are encouraged to reach out to their company’s HR department or benefits manager for more information.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Baltimore here.

7. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Median Rent in Tulsa: $1,350
Typical Tulsa Home Value: $210,143

Tulsa boasts a vibrant nightlife and opportunities for daytime adventures, including a riverfront park that was named the Best New U.S. Attraction in 2019. Other outdoor activities, like fishing, boating on Keystone Lake, or visiting the zoo or botanical garden are also available if you want to soak up the great outdoors. If you prefer to experience cultural outings, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider the Bob Dylan Center, the iconic Cain’s Ballroom, open mic nights at the DW Speakeasy, the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera or one of Tulsa’s many impressive museums.

The city's Tulsa Remote program gives you a $10,000 grant for buying a home in the town. The money is given in a lump sum after you purchase a qualifying home and attend a Tulsa Remote orientation. Qualifying applicants must be full-time remote or self-employed outside of Oklahoma. More than 2,200 remote workers have moved to Tulsa through the program since it launched in 2018.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Tulsa here.

8. Muncie, Indiana

Median Rent in Muncie: $899
Typical Home Value in Muncie: $148,011

Muncie blends together small-town charm and city life, and is home to Ball University and some interesting green spaces. One of its best-known outdoor areas is the Cardinal Greenway, one of the longest rail-trails in the country, perfect for biking, walking, and running. While Muncie is a small Midwestern city, a night out on the town isn't too far, with Indianapolis about an hour away.

The city is offering up to $5,000 cash for new residents who make over $50,000 a year. Muncie is also including access to a co-working space and the university's library — two incentives city officials hope will attract remote workers looking for a new place to call home.

If Muncie has piqued your interest, you can browse the city's rentals and homes for sale on Zillow.

9. Cities in the Shoals, Alabama, Region

Median Rent: $750
Typical Home Value: $255,884

Just a two-hour drive from Nashville, Birmingham and Memphis, the Shoals region is home to two renowned recording studios — FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. This family-friendly region also is home to the 130-acre University of North Alabama, the oldest public university in the state. Among the attractions you'll find here are a home designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, beautiful trails on the Tennessee River and frequent visits by actors and musicians. The Shoals region includes the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. 

The Remote Shoals program is paying movers $10,000 in cash to settle in the region. You’ll get 25% of the money right away to help pay for relocation, another 25% after six months and the last half after your first year. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, make at least $52,000 a year and be able to move within six months of acceptance.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Muscle Shoals here. You can use the map to expand your search to surrounding cities in the Shoals region too.

10. Ontario, Oregon

Median Rent in Ontario: $1,150
Typical Home Value in Ontario: $304,470

No, you won't need your passport for this move. Ontario, Oregon, sits right on the border between Oregon and Idaho, and just outside Boise National Forest. Plus, it's off the Snake River, where folks can tube and kayak during favorable weather. Speaking of, summers tend to peak in the mid-90s and winters average in the low 20s.

Ontario is offering $10,000 towards new construction homes, under the condition that the owner moves in within two years. The deal also requires that it be a single-family home with a square footage of at least 1,600 square feet, or 1,300 square feet with a two-car garage and two bathrooms.

You can find lots for sale, as well as homes and apartments for rent, through Zillow.

If you've been dreaming of starting a new adventure, these cities that pay you to move there can help make that dream a reality. You might also find more inspiration by looking at tourist towns and what they can offer you.

*Median rent for all locations listed was last updated June 2, 2025.

**Typical home value for all locations listed was last updated April 30, 2025.