11 States That Pay You To Move There (Up To $25,000)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: There are some cities and states that pay you thousands of dollars to relocate, with incentives like cash payments, housing assistance, and free local memberships, particularly for remote workers.
Alabama, Kansas, West Virginia, and a handful of other states are offering up to $25,000 in incentives, with programs like Remote Shoals, Choose Topeka, and Ascend WV.
The moveBuddha team has rounded up a list of states that pay you to move there and verified the details of each offer. Take a look at the list to make your next move pay off.
11 States that will pay you to move there
Here are 11 states that offer cash incentives to new residents. Jump to the state you’re considering to see your options:
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1. Alabama
Tuscumbia, Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Sheffield (known as “the Shoals”) are located along the Tennessee River in northwest Alabama. Collectively, they’re popular with lovers of history, art, cuisine, live entertainment, and natural beauty.
The Shoals Economic Development Authority’s Remote Shoals Program provides up to $10,000 in incentives for qualified applicants who make $52,000 or more per year as full-time remote employees or independent contractors.
Think Alabama is the right fit? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Alabama.
Remote Shoals
Incentives:
- Up to $10,000 paid in installments over the first year
Requirements:
- Earn at least $52,000 annually
- Full-time remote work or independent contractor status
2. Alaska
Technically, Alaska doesn’t have a relocation incentive, but the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a great alternative. This program distributes annual payments to residents funded by the state’s oil revenues, providing a unique financial benefit if you choose to make Alaska your home.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Incentives:
- Annual payments typically range between $1,000 and $2,000 per person
Requirements:
- Establish residency in Alaska for at least one calendar year
- Intend to remain a resident indefinitely
- Not claim residency in another state
3. Arkansas
Texarkana, Arkansas, is actively seeking new residents through the Patterson Troike Foundation’s relocation incentive program. This initiative is designed to promote economic growth by attracting professionals to the area, offering financial perks to make the transition smoother.
Want to cash in on this offer and call Texarkana home? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Arkansas.
Texarkana Relocation Fund
Incentives:
- $5,000 relocation bonus
- 25% tuition discount and free first class at Texas A&M + additional scholarships
- Memberships to local workspace, organizations, and councils
- Complimentary symphony tickets and welcome basket
Requirements:
- Relocate to Texarkana, Arkansas
- 18 years or older
- Currently live at least 75 miles outside of Texarkana
- Employment in a professional capacity with $75k earnings
4. Illinois
Mattoon, Illinois may be just what the doctor ordered if you want to trade in the hustle and bustle of city living for peace, quiet, and a low cost of living.
The city of about 17,000 residents is located in east-central Illinois, between Chicago to the north, Indianapolis to the northeast, and St. Louis to the southwest. To attract new residents, civic organizations, local businesses, and proactive community leaders have put together an attractive incentive package.
Looking to lay down roots in Mattoon? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Illinois.
Move to Mattoon
Incentives:
- Up to $5,000 for moving expenses
- Over $2,500 in gift cards to local businesses
- $500 restaurant vouchers
- Free memberships to co-working spaces and local gyms
Requirements:
- Reside at least 100 miles away
- Commit to living in Mattoon for two years
- Remote worker for a company
- Earn at least $45,000 annually
5. Kansas
Kansas is more than just prairies, with a rich history, outdoor activities, and growing communities. The Choose Topeka and Lincoln County programs are designed to attract workers who are looking for affordable living in a tight-knit community.
Think Topeka or Lincoln County could be the right fit? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Kansas.
Choose Topeka and Lincoln County Initiatives
Incentives:
- Topeka: Up to $15,000 for home purchase assistance or $10,000 for rental, employer fund matching, and $5k in cash
- Lincoln County: $5,000 in cash, 100% state income tax waiver for first year, student debt relief, gym membership, welcome events, one year of farm fresh eggs, and property tax rebates
Requirements:
- Topeka: Purchase or rent a home within a year, participation in a Choose Topeka Immersion program, full-time employment with participating company, plus a minimum $50k salary for select benefits.
- Lincoln County: Full-time employment or self-employment, $50k annual income, current residence outside of Northwest Kansas
Learn more about Choose Topeka and the Lincoln County incentives
6. Kentucky
If you want to get paid to move to the Bluegrass State, take a look at Owensboro. Located about 100 miles southwest of Louisville, Owensboro and its suburbs are home to nearly 120,000 residents.
With a relatively low cost of living, good schools, and a high standard of living, Owensboro has a lot going for it, and the city is intent on attracting more remote workers to its community.
Is the Bluegrass State calling your name? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Kentucky.
Owensboro Relocation Incentive
Incentives:
- $5,000 stipend
- Local memberships and event tickets
- Complimentary music lessons
- Free weekly coffee and donut for a year
Requirements:
- Earn at least $60,000 annually
- Move within six months of application approval
- Current residence outside of Kentucky
7. Michigan
Southwest Michigan is a hop, skip, and jump from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit, and it’s Famous for its windswept beaches, abundant parks, and outdoor recreation activities,
Southwest Michigan is also known for good schools, quality healthcare, and top-notch colleges and universities. Move to Michigan is actively encouraging remote workers across the country to make a move, with a competitive package to attract new residents.
Does Michigan seem like the right fit? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Michigan.
Move to Michigan (Southwest Michigan)
Incentives:
- Up to $15,000 for home buying
- Nearly $5,000 in additional incentives like car services and club memberships
Requirements:
- Willing to purchase a home and integrate into the community
- Proof of remote employment outside Michigan
- Purchase or build a home that costs at least $200,000
8. Minnesota
Minnesota’s Iron Range region is known for its rugged beauty, vibrant communities, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The 218 Relocate program seeks to attract new residents to Bemidji by offering financial support and opportunities to get involved in the community. Here’s what the program has to offer.
If the Iron Range caught your eye, discover the best mover based on your moving route to Minnesota.
218 Relocate
Incentives:
- Six months of free wifi
- One-year co-work space membership
- Access to local cultural activities and community engagement programs
Requirements:
- Work remotely for a company outside of the region
- Current residence at least 60 miles from Bemidji
- Use Paul Bunyan Communications internet service
9. Ohio
A quick 20-minute drive from Cincinnati, Hamilton is perfect if you want access to the big city but prefer a quieter residence nearby. The city is offering $5,000 towards student debt repayments for young professionals that make the move to Hamilton.
Payments are doled out in monthly installments of $200. If you leave early, you’ll forfeit the rest of the payments. At the time of writing, new applications for the program are on pause. Click learn more below to see when new applications are being accepted.
Want to make the Buckeye State home? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Ohio.
Hamilton Talent Attraction Program
Incentives:
- $5,000 to pay down student loans over 25 months
Requirements:
- Have at least $5,000 in student loans
- Graduate within the past seven years with a degree in science, technology, engineering, math, or the arts
- Current residence outside of Hamilton
10. Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is famous for its art deco architecture, cultural festivals, and growing remote worker community. The Tulsa Remote program is designed to bring fresh energy and talent to the city and promote long-term community engagement, with cash incentives and competitive perks to help ease the transition.
Is Tulsa right up your alley? Find the best mover based on your moving route to Oklahoma.
Tulsa Remote
Incentives:
- $10,000 cash incentive
- 3 years of co-working space access
- Community perks and exclusive events
Requirements:
- Remote work position outside Oklahoma
- Residence outside of Oklahoma for at least one year prior to applying
- Be 18+ and eligible to work in the USA
11. West Virginia
West Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, known for its lush mountains, hiking trails, and rivers for rafting and fishing. It’s also home to a welcoming community and a low cost of living.
To encourage remote workers to make the move, the Ascend West Virginia program offers generous incentives for newcomers willing to move to Morgantown, the Greater Elkins area, the Greenbrier Valley, and the Eastern Panhandle.
Ready to pack your bags for West Virginia? Find the best mover based on your moving route to West Virginia.
Ascend West Virginia
Incentives:
- Up to $12,000 in cash
- Free co-working space access
- Discounts on outdoor activities and gear rentals
- Acclimation and professional development programs
Requirements:
- Full-time remote job with an out-of-state company
- At least 18 years old
- Move to Morgantown, Greater Elkins, the Greenbrier Valley, and the Eastern Panhandle
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Why do states pay you to move?
There are a few good reasons that states pay remote workers to move there. Here are some of the ways that cities across the US benefit from incentivizing new residents:
- Boost local economies
- Revitalize rural areas and small towns
- Attract skilled professionals
- Increase tax revenue and community engagement
It’s up to you to find one of the best interstate moving companies and negotiate relocation benefits with your employer, but the deals we’ve tracked down are worth considering.
If you’re willing to go international, there are even countries that will pay you to move there, but if you’re looking to keep your move stateside, you have plenty of solid options.
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