Cities Offering Relocation Incentives
17 US Cities That Will Pay You to Move There
Stretching your budget in a high-cost city? Dozens of communities across the U.S. now offer cash, tax breaks, and perks to attract new residents. Use this guide to compare the most compelling incentives, understand the fine print, and decide whether a paid relocation fits your move plan.
Why cities pay you — and what it means for you
Many towns are revitalizing their economies by recruiting newcomers, especially remote workers and homebuyers. The benefits can be significant: five-figure grants, reduced closing costs, free tuition, and bundles of local memberships. In return, programs usually require that you move from outside the area, maintain employment, and stay for a set time. Trade-offs may include fewer big-city amenities, variable healthcare access, harsher winters or hotter summers, and program rules that claw back funds if you leave early.
Top incentives at a glance
| City/State | Max incentive | Notable perk | Core requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS | Up to $15,000 (buyers) / $10,000 (renters) | Employer-match housing grant; low median home price | New resident; employer participation |
| Rochester, NY | Up to $19,000 | $10,000 relocation + $9,000 home purchase grants | Move from out of state or 300+ miles away |
| Remote Shoals, AL | Up to $10,000 | Low cost of living; vibrant music scene | Remote worker status; residency commitment |
| Paducah, KY | ~$4,000+ value | $2,500 moving aid, internet stipend, tax waiver, QoL package | Primarily for remote workers |
| Tulsa, OK | $10,000 | Grant usable for rent or after home purchase | Remote worker; coworking membership; residency |
| Benton Harbor, MI | $5,000+ | Down payment help; free community college tuition | New resident; home purchase eligibility |
| Texarkana, TX/AR | ~$19,000 value | $5,000 cash plus education, culture, and gym perks | Relocate and reside locally |
| Morgantown, WV | ~$20,000 value | $12,000 stipend + $8,000 in services and recreation | Move and remain for the program term |
| Baltimore, MD | $5,000 | Closing cost help via lottery; forgivable loan | Attend city tour event; buy within 10 days |
How to qualify and maximize value
Common eligibility rules
Most programs target newcomers only—current residents rarely qualify. Expect to show proof of employment (or remote work), move from outside a defined radius, sign a lease or close on a home, and remain for 12 to 36 months. Some, like Topeka’s, require an employer match; others, such as Baltimore’s, run limited-time lotteries tied to city events.
Hidden costs to check before you move
Factor in taxes, utilities, insurance, and potential coworking fees that may offset the headline grant. Ask about:
- Local and state income taxes, property taxes, and any payroll tax waivers.
- Required memberships (for example, Tulsa’s coworking requirement) and internet costs after any stipend expires.
- Housing rules: purchase vs. rent eligibility, minimum home values, or new-construction-only bonuses (Ontario, OR).
- Clawbacks if you move away early or switch to in-office work outside the area.
- Seasonal expenses: heating in snowy cities like Rochester, cooling in Tucson, and travel costs in remote locations such as Ketchikan.
Lifestyle fit matters
Match the destination to your day-to-day needs. If you love winter sports and four seasons, Rochester and Bemidji fit the bill. Crave desert sun and a university town vibe? Tucson delivers 300 sunny days, culture, and outdoor access. Prefer a coastal small city with big potential? Benton Harbor offers lake life plus tuition benefits. Families may value Hermitage’s family-centric passes and camps. If music, Southern food, and low costs call your name, the Remote Shoals towns and Columbus, GA are easy wins. Quilters and creatives will feel at home in Paducah’s arts-forward community.
City highlights to consider
Best for homebuyers on a budget: Topeka’s employer-matched housing grants stretch far in a market with relatively low median prices. Best for stacking support: Rochester’s combined relocation and purchase grants can accelerate your path to ownership. Best all-around package value: Texarkana and Morgantown pair cash with high-utility perks such as tuition discounts and recreation, boosting real quality-of-life savings. Best for builders: Ontario, OR offers $10,000 for qualifying new construction—a strong nudge if you want a custom home. Best for remote-work simplicity: Remote Shoals combines solid cash with a low-cost lifestyle and lively culture.
What to watch next
Funding cycles change, and programs open and close application windows throughout the year. Caps may apply, lottery odds can vary, and documentation standards evolve. Track deadlines, confirm whether funds are taxable, and get commitments in writing. Finally, test the fit: visit for a long weekend, tour neighborhoods, and talk to recent program alumni before you apply.
FAQs
- Are relocation incentives taxable?
Often yes. Some grants are treated as income. Ask the program and plan for federal and state taxes. - Can renters qualify, or is it buyers-only?
Both exist. Programs like Topeka and Tulsa allow renters; others focus on home purchase or even new builds. - How long do I have to stay?
Common commitments range from 12 to 36 months. Leaving early can trigger repayment. - Can I combine multiple incentives?
Sometimes. You may stack city and employer benefits, but programs may restrict stacking—confirm in writing. - Do I need to be a remote worker?
Many offers target remote workers, but several also accept local hires or homebuyers. Check each program’s rules.
Bottom line: Treat relocation incentives as a bonus—not the whole plan. Choose a city that fits your work, budget, and lifestyle, verify the fine print, and run a full cost-of-living comparison so the move pays off long after the check clears.
