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These 8 Places Will Pay You Up to $18,900 to Move There: How to Apply

Remote worker relocation programs now offer cash and perks.

By Kristin Hitchcock , Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated May 25, 2026

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Remote work has changed a lot more than office culture. It also changed how cities compete for new residents. Instead of offering tax breaks to corporations, dozens of towns and states are now paying individuals to relocate. In many cases, the goal is simple: attract higher-income remote workers who could strengthen the local economy, buy homes, and help stabilize shrinking populations.

Programs listed on MakeMyMove report that more than 5,000 remote workers have relocated since 2019, collecting over $50 million in incentives and perks along the way. If you're looking to lower your cost of living or grow your wealth while working remotely, some of these offers could be worth a closer look. Here are some of the most notable programs currently available.

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West Memphis, Arkansas — up to $10,000

West Memphis offers two different relocation incentive levels:

$10,000 for qualifying homebuyers
$5,000 for renters

The city offers workforce-focused programs aimed at people taking local jobs. Because Memphis sits just across the river, some applicants may view West Memphis as a lower-cost alternative while still staying close to a major metro area.

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Topeka, Kansas — up to $10,000

Topeka runs the Choose Topeka initiative, which offers incentives for both remote workers and military veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Depending on the situation, incentives could reach $10,000. Some packages are tied to employer partnerships, while others support independent remote workers relocating to the area. Compared to larger cities, Topeka's lower housing costs may help some households increase their savings even more over time.

The Shoals, Alabama — $10,000 cash

The Shoals offers a straightforward relocation package through its remote worker recruitment initiative. Eligible applicants could receive $10,000 paid over their first year in the area. Requirements generally include:

Minimum income of $52,000
Full-time remote employment or self-employment outside Colbert and Lauderdale counties
Relocation within six months

The Shoals has marketed itself heavily towards creatives and remote professionals looking for smaller-city living with lower housing costs.

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Tulsa, Oklahoma — $10,000

Tulsa arguably started the relocation-incentive trend when Tulsa Remote launched in 2018. The program offers a $10,000 relocation grant for qualifying remote workers. Requirements generally include:

Full-time remote employment outside Oklahoma
Living outside Oklahoma for at least one year before applying
Income verification
Background check
Virtual interview process

Tulsa remains one of the best-known programs because it pairs cash incentives with coworking access and organized networking events, which can help relocating feel less isolated.

West Virginia (Ascend WV) — up to $12,000

West Virginia launched Ascend WV to attract remote workers looking for outdoor-focused lifestyles.

Participants could receive:

Up to $12,000 in cash incentives
Free outdoor recreation packages
Coworking memberships

Applicants need to work remotely for an employer outside West Virginia or be self-employed outside the state. They must also relocate to one of five designated communities and commit to staying for at least two years.

Huntington County, Indiana — up to $15,000+

Huntington County offers one of Indiana's largest relocation packages for out-of-state applicants. Incentives may exceed $15,000 once local perks and housing assistance are included.

The county is primarily targeting professionals and remote workers who could contribute to the local tax base long term. Applicants generally need to verify employment and income and show they can relocate within the required timeline.

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Kansas rural communities — up to $15,500

Several rural Kansas communities now participate in relocation programs designed to attract remote workers and new residents.

Participating areas include:

Salina
Emporia
Lincoln County
Hutchinson
Ottawa

Some packages combine cash incentives, housing support, coworking access, and local memberships. Hutchinson reportedly offers one of the largest individual packages at roughly $15,500. Most of these programs are coordinated through MakeMyMove.

Texarkana, Arkansas/Texas — up to $18,900+

The highest-profile package right now comes from Texarkana, where eligible remote workers could receive incentives valued at more than $18,900.

The package includes:

$5,000 cash
A 25% tuition discount at Texas A&M University–Texarkana
Additional community perks and networking benefits

However, applicants typically need:

Full-time employment or self-employment
Minimum annual income of $75,000
Relocation within six months
Current residence outside Arkansas (or at least 75 miles from Texarkana if living in Texas)

How to apply for relocation incentive programs

Most programs now use either MakeMyMove or their own dedicated application websites.

Common requirements typically include:

Age 18+
Proof of full-time remote employment or self-employment
Employment located outside the destination state
Minimum income thresholds, often between $52,000 and $80,000+
Relocation within six months

Applicants should also know that incentives are rarely paid up front. Many programs stagger payments across the first year or tie them to milestones like purchasing a home or remaining employed after moving. Funding is usually limited, and some programs close applications once available slots fill.

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Bottom line

Relocation incentive programs could offer a meaningful financial boost for remote workers who were already considering a move. In some cases, combining a cash incentive with lower housing costs and reduced commuting expenses may help households get ahead financially faster than staying in a high-cost city, especially if their income remains the same after relocating.

However, the upfront bonus is only part of the equation. Many programs require participants to stay for one or two years, and some incentives are taxable income, which could reduce the final value of the offer. Before applying, it's worth comparing housing costs, health care access, internet reliability, and long-term job opportunities to see whether a move is actually worth it.

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