18 Cities That Pay You to Move There (Paid Relocation Programs)

Want to move somewhere new? Here are 18 places that pay you to live there — in the U.S. and abroad.

Yes, you can actually receive financial incentives to relocate, and in many cases these incentives come with additional perks that make settling in easier.

Across the United States and around the world, cities, regions, and countries are offering cash payments, tax breaks, workspace access, or other benefits to attract remote workers, professionals, families, and entrepreneurs. Their goal is to boost local economies, repopulate rural or declining areas, and encourage new skills and investment.

The programs below range from annual dividends to one-time relocation grants, ongoing stipends, and business support. Eligibility rules vary, so be sure to check requirements such as minimum residency, employment type, or property purchase conditions before applying.

Key Takeaways

Cities, states, and countries sometimes offer financial incentives to attract new residents.
Incentive programs aim to strengthen local economies and stabilize populations.
Evaluate lifestyle fit, job opportunities, infrastructure, and long-term plans before relocating.

U.S. Places That Pay You To Live There

Many communities in the U.S. offer incentives to new residents. Below are several notable programs, what they provide, and key eligibility points.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, known as “Alaska’s first city,” offers a unique combination of natural beauty, short commutes, and benefits tied to Alaska residency. Residents who qualify for the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) can receive an annual payment derived from the state’s oil revenue after meeting residency requirements. PFD amounts vary by year.

Other advantages of living in Ketchikan include:

No state income tax
Access to fiber-optic internet and occasional free internet promotions
Proximity to forests, waterways, and outdoor recreation
Local healthcare facilities and a regional hospital
Short average commutes that improve quality of life

Housing options range from downtown apartments to homes near forested areas, making it attractive for many moving households.

*From our visit to Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska*

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend pays qualifying residents annually from state oil revenue. To be eligible you must establish and maintain residency, generally living in the state for a full year and demonstrating intent to remain (through housing, employment, or education). Extended absences beyond the allowed limit without acceptable reasons can affect eligibility. Amounts fluctuate each year and are intended as supplemental income rather than full compensation for living expenses, which tend to be higher in Alaska.

Noblesville, Indiana

Noblesville, near Indianapolis, has offered relocation incentives targeting remote workers, including a cash grant, coworking membership, and other local perks. Packages have included a $5,000 relocation grant plus additional benefits such as a year-long coworking membership, Chamber of Commerce access, wellness stipends, concert experiences, and recreational passes. Programs like this are often run through organizations that connect talent with communities seeking new residents.

Tulsa Remote

Tulsa Remote provides up to $10,000 for remote workers who relocate to Tulsa and meet eligibility requirements such as being employed full-time remotely, being eligible to work in the U.S., and moving to the city within a set timeframe after application approval. Members also receive access to coworking spaces, community events, and wellness and healthcare resources. The grant can be distributed monthly as rental assistance or paid as a lump-sum when purchasing a primary residence in the city with certain restrictions.

Ascend West Virginia

Ascend West Virginia offers incentives to attract remote workers and newcomers to outdoor-focused regions such as the New River Gorge, Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley, Eastern Panhandle, and Greater Elkins. Program participants can receive $10,000 in the first year (paid monthly) and an additional $2,000 bonus after a second year, along with free outdoor recreation gear rentals and a welcome trip, depending on the specific offer.

Newton, Iowa

Newton’s Housing Initiative encourages homebuyers to settle in the city by offering $10,000 cash for buyers of new single-family homes that meet minimum valuation thresholds and other conditions. Additional welcome packages and tax abatement options are available under local revitalization plans. Qualifying typically requires the home to be a primary residence and may include safety requirements like radon mitigation installation.

Remote Shoals, Alabama

Remote Shoals offers up to $10,000 to qualifying remote workers who move to the Shoals region (Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia). Payments are split over time to support relocation and retention. Eligibility commonly includes minimum income thresholds, proof of full-time remote employment or self-employment, and moving within an established timeline.

Choose Topeka

Choose Topeka partners with employers to provide relocation incentives for professionals who move to Topeka. Benefits may include up to $10,000 for renters and up to $15,000 for homebuyers, depending on employer participation. Employers typically contribute an incentive that is partially reimbursed after a year if the employee remains employed locally. Eligibility requires employer sign-up and proof of residence in Shawnee County within a set period.

Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas previously ran a “Life Works Here” incentive that offered $10,000 and additional perks such as a bicycle for tech talent willing to relocate to the region. While that specific application period has closed, the area continues to promote resources for jobseekers and new residents and remains an attractive option for outdoor recreation and cultural amenities.

Baltimore, Maryland — Live Near Your Work

Baltimore’s Live Near Your Work program combines employer and city contributions to help employees buy homes near their workplace. Participating employers — more than a hundred in some cases — offer varying amounts that can be applied toward down payments or closing costs, with some packages totaling tens of thousands of dollars depending on employer participation and eligibility criteria.

International Places That Will Pay You To Live There

Outside the U.S., several countries and regions offer incentives to attract residents, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. These programs often target rural revitalization, startup growth, or long-term residency.

Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatchewan has offered long-term residency incentives tied to eligible post-secondary study and continuous residency with tax filing requirements. Specific programs and qualifying institutions may determine eligibility and payout schedules.

Start-Up Chile

Start-Up Chile provides equity-free funding to attract entrepreneurs and early-stage companies to the country. Grants and support help startups scale while benefiting the local innovation ecosystem.

Albinen, Switzerland

Albinen, a village in the Swiss Alps, has offered substantial relocation packages to families willing to move in and participate in local life. Such village-level initiatives aim to reverse population decline and support community sustainability.

Italy

Several Italian towns have launched programs offering cash payments or other incentives to new residents, especially in rural areas. Some proposals include multi-year stipends to encourage repopulation and revitalize small communities.

Greece

Greek islands and rural localities have at times offered relocation incentives to stimulate local economies and attract residents. Opportunities vary by municipality and may target specific groups interested in long-term settlement.

Portugal

Portugal has promoted rural relocation incentives in certain regions to rebalance population distribution and stimulate regional growth. Programs may include financial assistance, tax incentives, or support services for newcomers.

Mauritius

Mauritius offers a Premium Visa that invites professionals and remote workers to live on the island. The program encourages longer stays and remote work while offering a welcoming environment; some relocating professionals can access modest relocation support depending on program terms.

Why do places pay you to live there?

Communities use financial incentives to attract residents for several reasons:

Reverse population decline in rural or shrinking towns.
Bring new skills, entrepreneurship, and spending power to the local economy.
Fill labor gaps, support local businesses, and diversify community demographics.

Programs typically require proof of residency for a set period, employment status (often remote or local full-time work), or home purchase commitments. Incentives are designed to encourage long-term settlement rather than short-term visits.

What To Think About Before Moving to a New Place

Moving for an incentive can be attractive, but weigh practical and personal factors carefully.

Adjusting to new regions

Even if the cost of living is lower or you receive cash incentives, new regions can differ in internet reliability, healthcare access, education quality, and cultural fit. Research infrastructure, commute times, and local amenities to ensure the location supports your lifestyle and work needs.

Weighing economic versus personal factors

Consider both financial and personal aspects before relocating:

Will the new area support long-term career growth?
Is high-speed internet available if you work remotely?
Are local schools and healthcare suitable if you have or plan to have children?

Incentives can make relocation appealing, but compatibility with daily life and long-term plans matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are concise answers to common questions about relocation incentive programs.

What states will pay you to move there?

Programs exist in several states, notably Alaska for the PFD and local initiatives in Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and other states. Eligibility and amounts vary by program.

Is any state offering $20,000 to move there?

There isn’t a standard statewide program that guarantees $20,000 as a flat payment. Some combined incentives, employer contributions, or multi-year offers can approach or exceed that amount in total value.

Which cities offer financial incentives to new residents?

Cities such as Tulsa, Topeka, and various smaller towns have programs that include cash, tax relief, or home-buying assistance. Specific offers and participating employers vary.

Which countries will pay you to move there?

Some countries and municipalities offer relocation incentives, including parts of Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and programs that support entrepreneurs like Start-Up Chile. Terms and target groups differ widely.

Does Alaska pay $1,000 per month?

No. Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend is an annual payment whose amount changes yearly; it is not a monthly salary and is generally in the range of a few thousand dollars per year, varying by year.

Does everyone in Alaska get a PFD check?

Legal residents who meet Alaska’s residency and application requirements are generally eligible for the PFD. There are rules about continuous residency and permitted absences that can affect eligibility.

Are there places that give free land?

Some localities in states such as Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa have advertised free or very low-cost land parcels to attract development, often with conditions attached like building requirements or residency commitments.

Will Florida pay me to move there?

Florida does not offer a statewide relocation payment. Individual cities, employers, or development programs may provide relocation incentives in specific circumstances.

Can you get paid to move to California?

There are no widely known statewide programs in California that pay people to move there. Local initiatives or employer-based relocation packages may exist in some communities.

Is Vermont paying people to move there?

Vermont previously ran a Remote Worker Grant Program that offered payments to attract remote workers, but that program has ended.

Is it worth moving for the money?

Moving for a financial incentive can be worthwhile if the location aligns with your career, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Consider housing costs, access to services, job prospects, and the social environment before deciding.

Places That Pay You To Move There – Summary

Many cities, states, and countries offer incentives to attract new residents, ranging from annual dividends and lump-sum grants to ongoing stipends, workspace access, and business support. These programs are intended to strengthen local economies, attract talent, and support community growth.

Before applying, research program details and eligibility criteria, visit the area if possible, and weigh how well the location fits your long-term personal and professional needs. Financial incentives can provide a helpful boost, but the best outcomes come when the place also offers the lifestyle and infrastructure you need.

Which program appeals most to you from this list?