These 13 Cities Will Actually Pay You to Move There

If you've been dreaming of a fresh start somewhere new, a number of cities across the country will pay you to make the move. Some of these programs put thousands of dollars directly in your pocket; others offer free land, down payment assistance or a package of perks designed to help you plant roots quickly. A few places even throw in bonus benefits like free internet or access to cultural or outdoor programs. 

While some of these opportunities specifically target remote workers, others are open to anyone looking for new surroundings. Remember there’s more to moving than the incentives, so make sure you’ve got all the info you need on how to buy a house in another state before you start making your move.

Here's a look at 13 cities that will pay you to move there: 

1. Texarkana, Texas & Arkansas

Average Rent in Texarkana: $1,354 | Typical Texarkana Home Value: $207,703

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

The city created its "REDI...set...move!" campaign in 2024 to attract remote workers. The total incentive package is valued at over $18,900 and includes:

• $5,000 cash relocation bonus
• 25% tuition discount and one free class at Texas A&M University-Texarkana (for you or a dependent)
• Two tickets to the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra
• Membership to the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council
• One-year membership to The Assembly Line coworking space
• Leadership Texarkana preferred membership

To qualify, you must earn at least $60,000 annually; work remotely full-time (or be self-employed); move from outside of Arkansas or, if you live in Texas, from at least 75 miles away from the city; and move within six months of acceptance. You must relocate to Bowie County, TX or Miller County, AR.

Check out homes in Texarkana on Zillow. 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

Average Rent in Elwood: N/A | Typical Elwood Home Value: $425,370

Elwood is a small village in south-central Nebraska, and it might be the most unique offer on this list, because instead of cash up front, it's offering something else: land. The village offers (nearly) free lots measuring 110 by 115 feet in the Wheatfield Addition community, close to schools, parks and the town swimming pool.

Here’s how this city’s offer works: You’ll pay a refundable $500 deposit (returned when construction is complete) and a $50 building permit fee in exchange for the lot. You’ll then have two years to complete construction of your primary residence. On top of that, the city will give you $25,000 in down payment assistance upon completion.

This one is for buyers with a pioneering spirit — those who want to own something, build something and join a tight-knit community with a 100% high school graduation rate and easy access to outdoor recreation.

To get an idea of what your new-construction home here may be worth, check out listings and rentals around Elwood, NE on Zillow.

3. Hutchinson, Kansas

Average Rent in Hutchinson: $805 | Typical Hutchinson Home Value: $151,216

Hutchinson, Kansas, also known as "Hutch," is located an hour outside Wichita, which is known for its arts scene and ties to aviation history. 

Qualified remote workers who move to Hutchinson get many perks, including:

• $5,000 cash relocation bonus
• Up to $5,000 in home-buying assistance 
• 3 months of IdeaTek Fiber High Speed internet
• “Relocation Starter Pack” with free community memberships and more
• One-year individual Hutchinson Chamber membership

To qualify, you must have an annual household income of at least $55,000, currently reside outside of Kansas and commit to living in Reno County for at least two years. Read more about the offer and find the application on MakeMyMove.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Hutchinson, KS on Zillow.

4. Paducah, Kentucky

Average Rent in Paducah: $1,153 | Typical Paducah Home Value: $194,069

Paducah is a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art tucked along the Ohio River. The city’s remote worker offer includes cash incentives as well as cultural amenities:

• $5,000 cash relocation bonus paid in two installments: $2,500 when you establish residency and $2,500 at your one-year anniversary
• A waiver of the city's 2% payroll tax for one year
• A free internet stipend (up to $70/month for 12 months)
• Free tickets and passes for cultural and educational experiences, including the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the Paducah School of Art & Design, the River Discovery Center and more

To qualify, you must be able to establish primary residency in Paducah within three months of acceptance and commit to staying at least two years, as well as work full-time remotely and relocate from at least 100 miles away.

Start your Paducah, KY home or rental search on Zillow. 

5. Jackson, Michigan

Average Rent in Jackson: $1,175 | Typical Jackson Home Value: $191,819

Jackson is an outdoorsy place, focused on the beauty of its many parks, lakes and a man-made waterfall known as The Cascades. Through its 100 Homes Program, the city aims to help qualified buyers live in one of 100 homes built on currently vacant lots.

The program includes $25,000 in down payment assistance, which some buyers may be able to pair with an additional $10,000 in assistance through the state’s housing finance agency. The city also has a limited-time opportunity for another $30,000 in assistance for buyers in the Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor. Homes are capped at a qualifying purchase price, must be owner-occupied, and are available to both existing residents and newcomers.

To qualify, buyers can’t have an income of more than 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Find the full list of available lots and application details at cityofjackson.org.

Check out homes and rentals in Jackson, MI on Zillow.

6. Baltimore, Maryland

Average Rent in Baltimore: $$1,802 | Typical Baltimore Home Value: $186,741

Baltimore's Live Near Your Work program partners with over 100 employers to offer down payment assistance in exchange for living within the city. The amount you receive depends on which company you work for, but incentives range from $2,000-$19,500. For this program, Baltimore City matches your employers’ contributions between $1,000 and $2,500 in the form of a grant to encourage you to make Baltimore your home.

If you work for an employer that participates, reach out to your HR department or benefits manager to start the process.

Baltimore is also one of the most affordable major metro areas on the East Coast, with a typical home value that undercuts other cities significantly. For many residents and buyers, the city's food scene, cultural institutions and waterfront neighborhoods make it a good place to live.

Browse through Baltimore’s available homes on Zillow. 

7. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Average Rent in Tulsa: $1,287 | Typical Tulsa Home Value: $220,221

Tulsa Remote is one of the most well-established and well-funded relocation programs in the country, and it keeps growing. Currently, the program offers a $10,000 grant to qualifying remote workers who make Tulsa their home. As of early 2026, more than 4,000 remote workers have relocated through the program since it launched in 2018, and the program is aiming to welcome roughly 550 more this year.

If accepted, the $10,000 is either given as a lump sum or monthly disbursements after you purchase a qualifying home. If you sign a rental lease instead, you’ll receive the $10,000 through monthly disbursements. Acceptees must also attend a Tulsa Remote orientation.

You also gain access to one of the largest communities of remote workers in the U.S., complete with a dedicated program team, monthly community events and a network of professionals who've made the same leap.

To qualify, you must:

• Work full-time remotely for an employer outside Oklahoma, or be self-employed outside Oklahoma
• Reside outside Oklahoma at the time of application
• Be able to relocate to Tulsa within 12 months of acceptance

Start searching for homes or rentals in Tulsa on Zillow.

8. Muncie, Indiana

Average Rent in Muncie: $1,002 | Typical Muncie Home Value: $158,233

Muncie is a mid-sized Indiana college town, home to Ball State University. The city's relocation program offers a $5,000 cash incentive plus a package of community extras to help you settle in quickly, like access to the university’s library and a six-month YMCA membership.

Muncie is an affordable, tight-knit community with a growing arts and cultural scene, and its proximity to Indianapolis (about an hour away) makes it a compelling option for those who want small-city living with access to a major metro.

To qualify, you must:

• Must be employed full-time and able to relocate while retaining your current job, or be self-employed and able to relocate while retaining your current clients.
• Earn at least $50,000 annually
• Presently live outside of Indiana
• Can relocate your primary residence to Muncie within six months

If Muncie, IN has piqued your interest, you can browse rentals and homes for sale on Zillow.

9. Ontario, Oregon

Average Rent in Ontario: N/A | Typical Ontario Home Value: $307,769

No, you won't need your passport for this move. Ontario, Oregon, sits right on the border between Oregon and Idaho, just outside Boise National Forest. Plus, it's off the Snake River, where you can tube and kayak during favorable weather. 

The city's $10,000 offer requires you to build a new-construction home over 1,600 square feet of living space in size, or 1,350 square feet if it has a two-car garage and two bathrooms. Note that while this program is also available to home building companies, individual homeowners can apply, and hire their own contractor.  

Ontario is a growing agricultural and commercial hub with access to outdoor recreation and lower housing costs relative to western Oregon.

You can find lots for sale in Ontario, OR, as well as rentals, on Zillow.

10. Columbus, Georgia

Average Rent in Columbus: $1,308 | Typical Columbus Home Value: $175,951

Columbus is Georgia’s second-largest city by population, anchored by Fort Moore and a riverfront district. The city has been running its Columbus Remote Worker Incentive Program since 2024, drawing over 7,000 applicants in its first year. 

If selected, you’ll receive an incentive package valued at over $8,700, which includes:

• $5,000 cash relocation bonus paid in two installments: $2,500 when you establish residency and $2,500 after your first year of residency
• $3,200 in community perks, including access to coworking space
• A Columbus Experience Package, including tickets to Columbus Clingstones Baseball, the Springer Opera House, RiverCenter performances and other local attractions

To qualify, you must be employed remotely full-time with an annual salary of at least $75,000, currently live at least 75 miles outside Columbus and be able to relocate to Muscogee County within six months. You must also commit to living in Columbus for a minimum of one year.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Columbus, GA on Zillow. 

11. Topeka, Kansas

Average Rent in Topeka: $1,285 | Typical Topeka Home Value: $198,041

Topeka, the capital of Kansas, sits in the Flint Hills region about an hour west of Kansas City. It's known for its role in civil rights history (the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case originated here), a walkable arts district, and a cost of living well below the national average. Unlike most programs on this list, the Choose Topeka offer allows for both remote and on-site jobs, giving movers a rare bit of flexibility. 

Launched in 2019 to support local employers and promote economic development, the Choose Topeka program is funded jointly by economic development dollars and around 60 participating Shawnee County employers. The incentive is tiered based on your work situation and whether you rent or buy.

Here are some of the listed offers for moving to Topeka:

• On-site workers with a participating employer can receive up to $10,000 for renters signing a one-year lease, or up to $15,000 for a home purchase
• Remote workers employed by a company outside the area can receive up to $5,000 on a one-year rental lease or up to $10,000 for a home purchase, tiered based on salary
• Payments come as a direct grant you don't need to repay, as long as you meet the program requirements

To qualify, you must move to Topeka or the surrounding Shawnee County area, purchase or rent your primary residence inside the county within 12 months of your move, and be eligible to work in the U.S. On-site workers need a participating employer; remote workers can apply three months after moving and must have an employer located outside Shawnee County.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Topeka, KS on Zillow.

12. Charleston, West Virginia

Average Rent in Charleston: $1,369 | Typical Charleston Home Value: $166,696

Charleston is West Virginia's capital and largest city, set where the Elk and Kanawha rivers meet. It has a walkable downtown, a lively arts scene, and quick access to outdoor recreation in places like the Kanawha State Forest. This is the newest community to be included in Ascend WV — a statewide relocation program that lets you choose where to land across several participating areas, including Charleston, Morgantown, the Eastern Panhandle, the Greenbrier Valley, Greater Elkins, and the New River Gorge. Charleston officially joined the lineup in 2026.

Made possible by a $25 million gift from Brad and Alys Smith to West Virginia University's Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, Ascend WV offers a relocation package valued at more than $20,000. 

The core incentives are the same in every community in the program:

• $12,000 cash, paid in installments: 10,000 in year one, then $2,000 in year two
• More than $1,200 in free outdoor gear rentals
• Assistance from professionals at West Virginia University to help you launch your own entrepreneurial initiatives or grow your business
• A free coworking space membership

The program is well established, with nearly 1,000 new residents since launch and a retention rate of 96 percent.

To qualify, you must be a remote worker or manage a company based outside West Virginia, and currently live outside the state. You'll choose your host community when you apply, and the final $2,000 is paid only if you stay for a second year.

You can find homes and rentals in Charleston, WV on Zillow.

13. Macon, Georgia

Average Rent in Macon: $1,246 | Typical Macon Home Value: $174,105

Macon can be found in the heart of Georgia, about 85 miles south of Atlanta, and leans hard into its music heritage. After all, this is the hometown of Little Richard and the Allman Brothers Band. The city launched its Choose Macon relocation program in 2025 through the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. It's open to both remote workers and people taking a local job, so it’s more lenient than other programs.

The package is valued at around $7,000 and comes in two versions depending on your work situation. Both include:

• A $2,500 cash relocation stipend
• Concierge relocation support and help finding housing
• Invitations to local networking events and mover meetups
• Local perks such as downtown parking passes and gift cards to Macon favorites

Remote workers also get a coworking space membership and an internet speed boost. Those taking a local job get introductions to area business leaders and some additional housing incentives, like 50% off security deposits on certain rental properties, and 10% off professional packing and moving services from specific companies.

To qualify, you must be employed full-time (remote, hybrid, or in-person) with a household income of at least $65,000. You also have to relocate from outside Macon-Bibb County and its surrounding counties (Monroe, Twiggs, Houston, Peach, Crawford, and Jones). The program website says it’s competitive and selects a limited number of households, so apply early.

Start searching for homes or rentals in Macon, GA on Zillow.

Median rent and typical home values for all locations listed reflect the most current available Zillow Home Values Index (ZHVI)  data as of September 30, 2026. Program details were verified in October 2026 and are subject to change — always confirm directly with the relevant program before making a move.

FAQ: Relocating to a new city

You've found a cool city that will pay you to move there, but what does it actually look like to uproot your life, pack everything you own and land somewhere you've never called home? We've answered the questions we hear often from people considering exactly that.

How do I know if a relocation incentive is legitimate?

Every program on this list is administered by a city government, a county economic development authority or a well-established non-profit. That said, you should always verify directly with the source. Visit the official city or program website, review terms and conditions, and be wary of any third-party site asking for payment to apply.

How much money do I actually need to make a cross-country move?

The full costs vary widely depending on distance, how much you're moving, and whether you're renting or buying. According to home improvement site Thumbtack, your costs could range from about $650 to $5,500, and most people pay around $2,000.

When doing the math for yourself, factor in professional movers or a rental truck and temporary housing if needed.

Moving during off-peak seasons (late fall through early spring) and booking movers well in advance can reduce your costs. Some incentive payments from these programs — especially those paid at the time of relocation — can offset a meaningful portion of those upfront costs.

Should I visit before committing?

If you can, absolutely. A weekend trip or even a longer exploratory stay is one of the best forms of research you can do before committing to a cross-country move. Walking neighborhoods, eating at local restaurants and simply spending time in a place gives you insights that no website or search result could provide. If possible, visit during different seasons to get a realistic sense of the weather and vibes of the community.

What happens if I want to leave before the program's required stay period ends?

Most programs require participants to remain in the area for one to two years as a condition of receiving the full incentive. If you leave early, you'll typically be required to repay some or all of the funds you received. The specific repayment terms vary by program. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting any offer.

How do I handle the logistics of buying or renting from a distance?

Start by working with a local Zillow partner agent or a property management company who can tour properties on your behalf. Virtual tours have become standard practice and give you a real sense of a space before you commit.

If you're buying a home, plan to visit in person during the inspection period. If you can’t make it out, try to set up a video call at that time instead. 

If you’re renting, you could learn a lot from a virtual tour (lots of listings include this on Zillow). It might also be worth joining local Facebook groups or community forums in your target city — residents are often generous with honest recommendations.

What should I know about the cost of living in a new city?

One of the biggest surprises for people moving to larger or smaller cities is the difference in how far their money goes. The cities on this list represent some of the most affordable housing markets in the country. In Hutchinson, Kansas, for example, typical home values sit around $150,000 — a figure that buys very little, if anything, in many coastal cities. 

Keep in mind that salaries may also vary if you're seeking local employment rather than maintaining remote work. Factor in healthcare access, commute patterns and the cost of travel back to visit family.

How do I build a social life and community in a brand-new city?

This can be a tough part of any long-distance move, and it's worth planning for. Some programs are specifically designed with community-building in mind, hosting regular events and connecting new arrivals with each other and longtime residents. 

We’ve got a guide on how you can find a roommate in a new city, and lots of those tips apply to finding friends, too. For example, going to a dog park with your buddy could help both of you meet someone new.

Beyond formal programs, consider joining local recreational leagues, volunteer organizations, professional associations or clubs aligned with your interests. 

What are the biggest mistakes people make when relocating cross-country?

The most common misstep is underestimating the emotional adjustment. Even when a move is the right decision, it takes time to feel settled. Give yourself grace during the first several months. It's normal to feel disoriented, lonely or uncertain before you find your footing.

Practically speaking, another common mistake is not reading the fine print of the relocation program itself prior to applying. This could lead to missing a deadline, failing to meet a minimum income requirement, or not understanding the repayment clause. Read everything at least twice.

Which of these programs is right for me?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you're a remote worker who wants a built-in community and a $10,000 lump-sum incentive, Tulsa Remote could be a good option. If affordability is your top priority and you're open to small-town life, Hutchinson or Elwood offer good value. Browse each program's official website, check your eligibility and take the time to envision your daily life in each place before making your decision.