While the competitive housing market makes finding reasonably-priced residential properties in crowded and popular cities challenging, some locations are willing to pay people to relocate there. If you’re a remote worker or someone who enjoys the flexibility to change their geographical location without affecting employment status, moving to the following 12 states can earn you quick cash.
Alabama
The Shoals in Alabama has a program to attract full-time remote workers or independent contractors for monetary incentives. They’ll pay you up to $10,000 for moving there, subject to specific terms and conditions. According to their program, only selected individuals earning at least $52,000/annum are considered.
The applicant must be 18+, able to relocate to the Shoals within 6 months of application approval, and self-employed outside the Colbert and Lauderdale Counties for consideration. Selected individuals receive 25% of the amount upfront, another 25% after six months in the Shoals, and the balance after you’ve finished your first year here.
Arkansas
Several cities in Arkansas are willing to pay money to attract talented, remote workers. For example, Texarkana offers the highest incentive of approximately $17,100 to individuals who meet their eligibility criteria. Fort Smith and West Memphis have an incentive package of up to $10,000. Notably, a portion of this incentive is paid in cash, while the remaining is disbursed through discounted tickets, memberships, and other activities.
Alaska
While Alaska doesn’t directly pay money to people to shift there, its state-operated programs, such as the Alaska Permanent Fund, pay incentives to its citizens every year. The incentives are paid from a portion of the state’s oil revenue each year, helping people improve their quality of life. Residents received $1,702 in 2024, of which $1,403.83 was standard payment and $298.17 was energy relief payment. Relocating to Alaska can allow you to receive this monetary benefit, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Indiana
If you’re planning to live in a beautiful city with a close-knit community, reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, serene environment, etc., you must explore Indiana cities. Numerous cities in this state will pay you to move there. For example, Angola will pay you $5,000 in cash and a co-working space membership valid for six months. Cities like Avon, Delphi, Elkhart, French Lick, Muncie, Richmond, South Bend, and Tipton pay you $5,000 in cash and other non-monetary benefits.
Illinois
Illinois plans to restore balance in cities with comparatively lower populations by inviting talented people to relocate there. While numerous cities from this state pay money to move there, the top three cities include Jacksonville, Mattoon, and Pittsfield. Jacksonville pays an incentive package of up to $9,300, Mattoon pays approximately $11,707, and Pittsfield pays $6,800. However, people should know that there are terms and conditions to fulfill before receiving these incentives.
Iowa
Places in Iowa, such as Newton, are attracting new residents through programs like the Newton Housing Initiative. The program will pay $10,000 in cash to people planning to buy a home valued at a minimum $240,000 market value. This value shouldn’t include the land value to qualify for eligibility. Approved applicants will also receive a ‘Get to Know Newton Welcome Package.’
Kansas
Several cities and towns in Kansas are attracting top talent, encouraging them to relocate for lucrative incentives. For example, moving to Topeka can earn you incentives of up to $15,000. Neodesha is another beautiful place in Kansas, providing incentives of up to $6,800 to attract people. Every incentive program has distinct eligibility criteria, so ensure you qualify for the appropriate program before making any shifting decision.
Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the few states where numerous cities pay money to individuals to move there. According to MakeMyMove, there are 10+ active programs in different parts of Kentucky providing attractive incentives to attract the best remote workers. You can sometimes get paid up to $8,800 and more, provided you match the program’s eligibility criteria.
Maine
People with active student loans can consider relocating to Maine as the state provides an attractive Student Loan Repayment Program to attract qualified youth. The program helps eligible individuals save up to $25,000 over their lifetime. You can enjoy the incentives of this program if you meet their eligibility criteria. Once your program application gets approved, you can start receiving up to $2,500/year as a refundable tax credit, providing significant financial relief.
Michigan
Michigan is another great option for remote workers and skilled professionals, as the state has excellent incentive programs in different locations. For instance, Muskegon County in Michigan is providing up to $15,000 in financial incentives to eligible educators, early childhood providers, and ancillary education staff to move there. Jackson is offering the 100 Homes Program, which will allow selected individuals to receive $25,000 in down-payment assistance to buy a new home. An additional $10,000 in down-payment assistance can be claimed from the state housing development authority.
Missouri
If you love living in serene and scenic environments, you must consider shifting to Missouri. Certain places in this state will gladly pay you to move there. Poplar Bluff, located in Southeast Missouri midway, is providing a generous incentive package of up to $11,000 to encourage people to shift there. You must fulfill certain conditions, such as earning a minimum of $55,000 in personal annual income, self-employment, etc., to apply for this program.
Oklahoma
Remote workers looking for a fresh start must explore the relocation incentive programs offered by cities in Oklahoma. Tulsa is leading the movement through its Tulsa Remote program. It provides a $10,000 grant to help remote workers make Tulsa their new work headquarters. Besides the generous financial incentive, Tulsa’s thriving environment, affordable cost of living, and remarkable quality of life make it an attractive location for several remote workers or self-employed individuals.
