Looking to get paid to move? Several states are offering cash incentives, tax breaks, and other perks to attract new residents. These programs aim to boost local economies and fill jobs while giving remote workers and homebuyers a financial reason to relocate.
Depending on where you move, you could receive up to $12,000 in cash, home-buying assistance, or even free outdoor adventure packages. Whether you’re after a scenic riverside retreat in Alabama, a tax-free paycheck in Alaska, or a cash bonus in Kansas, there’s a relocation incentive that might work for you.
Here’s a look at 10 states that will pay you to move there and how much you can get.
Alabama
The Shoals region in northern Alabama is offering remote workers up to $10,000 to relocate through its Remote Shoals Program. Located along the Tennessee River, this scenic area is looking to attract professionals who work for companies based outside the region.
Remote Shoals Program Details
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Earn $52,000 or more per year
- Work remotely for an employer outside Colbert and Lauderdale counties
The $10,000 incentive is paid in stages:
- $2,500 upfront to help with moving expenses
- $2,500 after six months
- $5,000 after one year of residency
Why Move to The Shoals?
Beyond the financial incentive, The Shoals offers an affordable cost of living, scenic riverfront views, and a strong sense of community.
- Music history: Home to the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, the area has a deep-rooted musical heritage and an active live music scene.
- Low cost of living: Housing and everyday expenses are more affordable than in many larger cities.
- Outdoor recreation: With the Tennessee River nearby, residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking in numerous parks and trails.
- Community and education: The University of North Alabama brings educational and cultural opportunities, while local businesses thrive with strong community support.
Alaska
Alaska pays residents an annual cash dividend just for living in the state. The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), one of the longest-running incentive programs in the U.S., provides payments based on state oil revenue, averaging around $1,600 per year.
Permanent Fund Dividend Details
To qualify, applicants must:
- Reside in Alaska for a full calendar year before applying
- Maintain residency and live in the state for the entire year they wish to claim the payment
The amount varies yearly based on state revenue, but residents receive a direct deposit or check each fall.
Why Move to Alaska
Beyond the financial incentive, Alaska offers a unique lifestyle with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and financial perks.
- Breathtaking landscapes: From the Northern Lights to Denali National Park, Alaska provides stunning scenery and access to vast wilderness.
- Outdoor recreation: Residents enjoy world-class fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, and kayaking in one of the most rugged and beautiful places in the world.
- Financial benefits: With no state income or sales tax, Alaskans keep more of their earnings. The PFD adds an extra yearly cash bonus.
- Rich culture: Alaska’s diverse communities celebrate their heritage through festivals, music, and local traditions.
Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas is offering remote workers a financial boost through its Life Works Here incentive program. This fast-growing region, home to major corporations and a thriving startup scene, provides a generous relocation package to attract new talent.
Life Works Here Program Details
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be at least 24 years old
- Have at least two years of work experience
- Be employed full-time
- Live outside Arkansas at the time of application
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Relocate within six months of acceptance
The program offers:
- A $10,000 cash incentive (available in cryptocurrency)
- A mountain or road bike to explore the region’s extensive trails
Why Move to Northwest Arkansas?
Beyond the financial incentive, Northwest Arkansas offers a booming economy, affordable living, and access to nature.
- Strong job market: Home to Walmart’s headquarters, the region has a growing tech and healthcare industry, along with a vibrant startup ecosystem.
- Lower cost of living: Housing and daily expenses are below the national average, making it easier to afford a comfortable lifestyle.
- Arts and culture: The area features world-class attractions like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walton Arts Center.
- Outdoor recreation: Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, residents enjoy hiking, biking, and lake activities, with plenty of state parks and trails.
Iowa
Newton, Iowa, is offering cash incentives to homebuyers through its Newton Housing Initiative. This program encourages new home construction and purchases, helping to grow the local community while making homeownership more affordable.
Newton Housing Initiative Details
To qualify, applicants must:
- Purchase or build a new home valued at $190,000 or more
- Have the home’s value confirmed by an official appraiser
- Complete construction before receiving the incentive (verified by a certificate of occupancy)
The program provides:
- A $10,000 cash incentive
- A “Get to Know Newton” welcome package worth around $2,500
Why Move to Newton?
Newton may be a small city, but it offers affordability, career opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
- Tight-knit community: Newton fosters a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors connect and participate in local events.
- Diverse job market: While historically a manufacturing hub, Newton is now expanding into renewable energy and other industries, creating a range of employment opportunities.
- Affordable homeownership: Housing prices are lower than in many urban areas, making Newton attractive for families, first-time buyers, and retirees.
- Recreation and culture: The city offers parks, golf courses, and events like the Bowlful of Blues festival, along with cultural attractions such as the Jasper County Historical Museum.
Kansas
Topeka, the capital of Kansas, is offering cash incentives to attract new residents through its Choose Topeka program. Whether you’re relocating for an on-site job or working remotely, this program provides financial assistance to help with housing costs.
Choose Topeka Program Details
For on-site workers:
- Up to $10,000 for renters in their first year
- Up to $15,000 for homebuyers in their first year
For remote workers:
- Up to $5,000 for renters in their first year
- Up to $10,000 for homebuyers in their first year
To qualify, applicants must:
- Move to Topeka for a full-time job (on-site workers)
- Buy or rent a home in Shawnee County within a year of moving
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Be employed full-time with a company based outside Shawnee County or be self-employed
Why Move to Topeka?
Topeka offers affordability, history, and a strong sense of community, all within reach of a major metropolitan area.
- Affordable housing: Topeka’s cost of living is well below the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
- Rich history: As the site of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, Topeka has deep civil rights significance and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Close-knit community: The city encourages civic engagement, providing residents with opportunities to shape their neighborhoods.
- Convenient location: Just an hour from Kansas City, Topeka offers a quieter, more affordable lifestyle with easy access to big-city amenities.
Maryland
Baltimore is offering financial incentives to encourage homeownership and revitalize older properties. Through programs like Buying Into Baltimore and Vacants to Value, homebuyers can receive forgivable loans and down payment assistance.
Buying Into Baltimore Program
This program provides a $5,000 forgivable loan to homebuyers who meet the following requirements:
- Attend and complete Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour event
- Contribute at least $1,000 toward the home purchase
- Earn a homeownership counseling certificate before making an offer
- Have a mortgage of $420,680 or less
- Live in the home as their primary residence
Vacants to Value Program
For those purchasing vacant or abandoned homes, this program provides $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs. To qualify, buyers must:
- Purchase an eligible vacant or abandoned property
- Contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase
- Earn a homeownership counseling certificate
- Have a mortgage of $420,680 or less
- Live in the home as their primary residence
Why Move to Baltimore?
Beyond financial assistance, Baltimore offers a mix of history, culture, and affordability.
- Rich history: Baltimore played a key role in U.S. history, from Fort McHenry to its historic Inner Harbor. Museums, historic ships, and cultural sites highlight the city’s past.
- Unique neighborhoods: From Federal Hill’s historic row houses to Hampden’s artsy vibe, Baltimore has a neighborhood for everyone.
- Seafood and dining scene: Famous for its blue crabs, Baltimore also has a growing brewery and distillery movement.
- Top-tier education and healthcare: Home to Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, Baltimore provides access to world-class research and medical care.
Michigan
Southwestern Michigan is offering remote workers cash incentives and lifestyle perks through its Move to Michigan program. This initiative encourages newcomers to settle in lakeside communities while enjoying financial and recreational benefits.
Move to Michigan Program Details
Qualified applicants can receive:
- $10,000 cash incentive (or $15,000 for those with children in public schools)
- A choice of two additional perks, including:
- Annual passes to Berrien County Parks, St. Joseph, and Benton Harbor beaches
- Membership to the Renaissance Athletic Club
- Access to the Harbor Shores Driving Range and Practice Area
- A South Shore Rail pass
- Membership to The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speaker Series
- A one-year co-working space membership
- A year’s worth of car services
- Two corporate VIP passes to the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a full-time remote worker employed by a company outside Michigan
- Buy or build a home worth at least $200,000
- Not be a current Michigan resident
- Relocate to one of the designated communities, including St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and surrounding townships
Why Move to Southwestern Michigan?
This region offers a blend of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and a strong sense of community.
- Lakefront living: With miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, residents enjoy beaches, boating, and waterfront views. St. Joseph and South Haven are known for their charming coastal communities.
- Thriving agriculture: The area is home to vineyards, orchards, and farm-to-table dining, creating a vibrant local food scene.
- Outdoor recreation: Beyond the lake, there are numerous trails, state parks, and green spaces for hiking, biking, and camping.
- Cultural events: Festivals like the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
Minnesota
Harmony, Minnesota, is offering cash rebates to encourage new home construction and renovations through its Residential Homes Construction Rebate program. This small-town initiative makes homeownership more affordable while revitalizing the community.
Residential Homes Construction Rebate Details
Qualified applicants can receive a rebate of up to $12,000, depending on the home’s market value:…