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Looking for places that pay you to move? Select U.S. cities and regions offer cash incentives to attract new residents, including remote workers and people accepting local jobs. Depending on the program, you could receive $5,000, $10,000, or even up to $15,000 toward your fresh start.
These offers come with requirements: you may need approval before relocating, qualifying employment, and a commitment to stay for a specific period. Here are relocation incentive programs worth exploring.
Updated October 22, 2026. Funding, application availability, and program terms can change.
Places That Pay You to Move: Quick Comparison
| Destination | Advertised cash incentive | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa, Oklahoma | $10,000 | Qualifying remote employment outside Oklahoma |
| Participating West Virginia communities | $12,000 | Acceptance into Ascend WV and qualifying remote work |
| Topeka/Shawnee County, Kansas | Up to $15,000 | Qualifying employment with a participating local employer |
| Paducah, Kentucky | $5,000 | Qualifying remote work and a two-year residency commitment |
| Southern Indiana | $5,000 | Qualifying remote work; currently listed as waitlisted |
Sources: official program pages and the Southern Indiana program listing.
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Get $10,000 Through Tulsa Remote
Tulsa Remote offers a $10,000 grant to selected remote workers who make Tulsa their home.
Applicants must meet requirements that include full-time remote employment outside Oklahoma, having lived outside the state for a full year before applying, and being able to relocate within 12 months of approval.
Renters receive the grant through monthly payments. Accepted participants purchasing a qualifying home may receive a lump sum after meeting the homeownership requirements. The program also includes coworking access and community benefits.
Learn more: Tulsa Remote eligibility and program details
2. West Virginia: Receive $12,000 Through Ascend WV
Want to combine remote work with mountain living? Ascend WV provides $12,000 to selected participants, distributed in equal monthly installments over two years.
The flagship program seeks applicants who live outside West Virginia and have full-time remote employment or an eligible business outside the state that they can manage remotely.
Additional benefits include coworking access, outdoor recreation experiences, gear rentals, and community programming. Participants purchasing a qualifying home may be able to receive their remaining cash payments in a lump sum.
Learn more: Ascend WV program and application information
3. Topeka, Kansas: Qualify for Up to $15,000
Choose Topeka partners with Shawnee County employers to offer relocation incentives for eligible hires.
The employer guidelines advertise:
- Up to $10,000 for renting during the first year.
- Up to $15,000 for a qualifying home purchase or rehabilitation.
This is an employment-based offer. You must secure qualifying work with a participating Shawnee County employer and move to the county. Employer participation is voluntary, and incentives depend on the position and approved terms.
The employer determines and pays the incentive; the program’s reimbursement to the employer is not an additional payment to the employee.
Learn more: Choose Topeka eligibility and FAQs
4. Paducah, Kentucky: Get $5,000 in Cash Incentives
Paducah’s Remote Workers Incentive Program offers $5,000, paid in two installments:
- $2,500 when an approved participant establishes residency.
- $2,500 at the one-year anniversary of relocation.
Applicants must be at least 21, live at least 100 miles outside Paducah when applying, and meet the program’s remote employment requirements. Accepted participants must establish their primary residence within city limits within three months and agree to remain for at least two years.
The program also offers cultural and educational perks through local partners.
Learn more: Paducah Remote Workers Incentive Program
5. Southern Indiana: $5,000 Relocation Offer — Currently Waitlisted
Choose Southern Indiana advertises $5,000 in relocation cash, plus additional local benefits.
The remote worker listing includes requirements such as earning at least $50,000 annually, currently living outside Indiana, retaining qualifying employment or self-employment after moving, and committing to live in Southern Indiana for at least two years.
Check availability first: The listing is currently marked “Waitlisted Program.” Its advertised total package value includes perks beyond the $5,000 cash incentive.
Learn more: Choose Southern Indiana program listing
How to Apply for Relocation Incentives
Before booking movers or signing a lease:
- Read the current program requirements. Check employment, income, location, and residency rules.
- Apply and confirm approval timing. Moving too early can affect eligibility.
- Get the payment terms in writing. Confirm when payments begin and what happens if you leave early.
- Compare your moving and housing costs. Consider the full cost of relocating alongside the incentive.
For Tulsa Remote specifically, its FAQ warns against signing a lease or purchasing Oklahoma property before completing the required acceptance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cities really give you FREE money to move?
Yes—some programs provide cash grants or employer-paid relocation incentives. However, payments depend on selection and meeting the program’s requirements. The offers above range from remote worker grants to employment-based incentives.
Do I need a remote job to qualify?
It depends. Tulsa Remote and the flagship Ascend WV program target qualifying remote workers. Choose Topeka requires qualifying employment with a Shawnee County employer.
Is relocation incentive money tax-free?
Do not assume it is tax-free. Ascend WV explicitly states that recipients are responsible for taxes associated with its incentive payments. Ask each program about its tax reporting before calculating how much you will keep.
Will an entire state pay anyone who moves there?
These offers apply to selected participants and eligible destinations. For example, Paducah requires residency within city limits, while Choose Topeka requires residency in Shawnee County and qualifying local employment.
Ready for a fresh start? Explore the official links above, confirm current availability, and apply before making moving commitments.
