Why Cities Are Paying Remote Workers to Move (and How You Can Benefit)

⚡ Summary

More cities are paying remote workers to relocate—offering cash, housing, and perks to attract talent. Popular programs in Tulsa, Topeka, and West Virginia are reshaping where digital workers live. Before making a move, compare incentives carefully and secure your remote setup with trusted tools.

Quick takeaways:

• Cash bonuses range from $5,000–$12,000.
• Perks include housing stipends, coworking memberships, and tax breaks.
• Use FlexJobs and Remote Rocketship to find remote-friendly jobs in incentive cities.
• Stay safe online with Avast while working from new locations.

Remote work hasn’t just changed office life—it’s reshaping entire cities. In a bid to attract new residents, dozens of U.S. cities (and a growing number abroad) now offer cash incentives, tax breaks, or relocation perks for remote professionals willing to make the move. If you’re location-flexible, these programs can help you save money, improve your quality of life, and access new career opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Why cities are paying remote workers
• The most popular incentive programs available
• What to look for before relocating
• How to find remote-friendly jobs that qualify

Why Cities Offer Remote Worker Incentives

Cities thrive when they attract new talent, tax dollars, and spending power. With more people working from home, mid-sized and smaller cities have recognized an opportunity: lure remote professionals away from expensive metros with the promise of financial perks and a better lifestyle.

Some motivations include:

• Population Growth → Boosting resident numbers in areas with population decline.
• Economic Development → Supporting local businesses through increased spending.
• Talent Attraction → Building a reputation as remote-friendly hubs.

For workers, these programs are a win-win: you keep your remote salary while enjoying lower costs of living and, in some cases, a relocation bonus.

Popular Remote Worker Incentive Programs

Here’s a snapshot of some leading city-based incentives for remote workers:

👉 For a deeper dive into more programs, check out our guide to cities paying remote workers.

How to Qualify for Incentives

While every program has unique rules, most require that you:

1. Be employed remotely full-time (or self-employed with out-of-state clients).
2. Commit to living in the city for a minimum term (often 1 year).
3. Provide proof of income or employer verification.
4. Be 18+ and legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Some cities also prioritize applicants with certain backgrounds, such as tech professionals, entrepreneurs, or families.

Finding Remote Jobs That Qualify

Before you pack your bags, you’ll want to make sure you have a remote-friendly employer. Here’s where our partners can help:

• FlexJobs → Vetted, scam-free job listings across industries.
• Remote Rocketship → Discover fully remote companies that support relocation.
• Avast → Protect your digital identity and secure your devices when working from new locations.

These tools not only help you land legitimate remote jobs but also ensure you’re set up for success in your new city.

Things to Consider Before Moving

Relocation isn’t just about money—it’s about lifestyle. Here’s what to weigh before applying:

• Cost of Living → Will your salary stretch further here?
• Healthcare & Education → Especially important for families.
• Community & Culture → Does the city fit your interests and values?
• Internet & Infrastructure → Reliable broadband is non-negotiable.
• Commitment Length → Be sure you’re ready to stay the required duration.

The Bigger Picture: Remote Work + City Growth

These incentive programs are more than marketing gimmicks. They signal a shift in how cities compete for residents in a remote-first economy. By embracing flexible work, local governments are effectively turning themselves into talent recruiters.

For workers, the takeaway is clear: if you’re open to relocation, you don’t just choose where you live—you can get paid for it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a move, remote worker incentive programs are worth exploring. They can boost your finances, improve your lifestyle, and give you a chance to experience a new city while keeping your career on track.

And with the right tools—like FlexJobs for job searching, Remote Rocketship for finding fully remote employers, and Avast for staying secure—you’ll be ready to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Why Cities Are Paying Remote Workers to Move FAQ

Jedilyn

Jedilyn Leyson turns operational chaos into executive leverage. With a sharp eye for hidden inefficiencies and a systems-first mindset, she helps founders and marketing teams convert overwhelm into organized execution. From untangling workflows to syncing cross-functional priorities, Jedilyn doesn’t just manage complexity—she turns it into a growth engine. Her superpower lies in spotting the invisible threads between people, processes, and performance—fueling campaigns that actually ship and strategies that scale.

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