13 Cities That Will Pay You To Move There

The physical act of moving is often a hassle. But starting over somewhere fresh and new can be super exciting. The downside? The cost. Unless you have an employer that is paying you to relocate, the cost of moving — which averages around $1,400 — can be daunting. Enter cities and states that are looking to attract new residents.

Many cities and states across the United States have launched campaigns to entice new residents to their land. Today, there are a number of states that pay you to move there and even individual cities that pay you to live there, too. While campaigns like this have been going on for some time, the pandemic really caused them to proliferate.

If you’re looking to get paid to move and want to know what states pay you to live there, here’s a list of 13 cities that will pay you to move there. The best part? You’ll likely be surrounded by other new residents who have taken advantage of the same program, which means lots of other people looking for new friends and connections, too. If you’re wondering how to move without any money, here’s your answer. Get paid to move and let the adventure begin!

1. Bemidji, Minnesota

This small and scenic lake town in north central Minnesota is the place to be if you want space to stretch out. The greater Bemidji area will reimburse new residents up to $1,000 in moving expenses or telecommute expenses that aren’t already covered by an employer. The moving package also includes a one-year membership to a co-working space, a free Community Concierge Program, and a one-year associate membership to the local chamber of commerce.

Browse homes for sale in Bemidji, Minnesota here. 

2. Morgantown, West Virginia

There’s so much more to West Virginia than coal mines. If you want to move to Morgantown, a small college town with big city business ambitions, then you could find yourself with $12,000 to do so. Home to just 30,000 residents, Morgantown is looking to encourage people to move there with monthly payments that add up to $10,000 in the first year and then a $2,000 bonus in the second year. Like Bemidji, the Ascend West Virginia program also offers free coworking space and access to free outdoor activities to boot.

Browse homes for sale in Morgantown, West Virginia here.

3. Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Lowell, Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is booming with everything from mountain bike trails to corporate job opportunities with Walmart which is headquartered in Bentonville. The Life Works Here program established by the Northwest Arkansas Council touts a better, more outdoorsy way of life for those who take advantage of it through its Finding NWA program.

Browse homes for sale in Arkansas’ Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Lowell here.

4. North Platte, Nebraska

Don’t have a job that will pay for you to move? The city of North Platte, Nebraska is offering signing bonuses of $5,000 to new residents who take a job in the city through its WorkNP program. The goal is to build a skilled workforce in the small town of roughly 23,000 residents where the median home value is less than $120,000. Talk about affordable living!

Browse homes for sale in North Platte, Nebraska here.

5. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa Remote is a one-year program that offers up to $10,000 in grant money to those who relocate to Tulsa. Unlike the other cities on this list, Tulsa is a sizable one with nearly 700,000 residents. The money, which comes in monthly stipends until a bonus closes out the funding at the end of the first year, is designed to cover moving expenses and help with the cost of living. All you have to do is move to Tulsa within 12 months of being accepted to the program, be 18 years of age or older, be a U.S. permanent resident, and be currently employed (or self-employed) outside the state of Oklahoma.

Browse homes for sale in Tulsa, Oklahoma here.

6. Natchez, Mississippi

Thanks to the city and county’s Shift South program, new workers are encouraged to relocate to Natchez or the broader Adams County area and work remotely with the goal of attracting new talent to the area. Tucked into the bluffs lining the Mississippi River, Natchez offers residents a low cost of living alongside a high quality of living with boundless outdoor recreation and plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Browse homes for sale in Natchez, Mississippi here.

7. Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, Alabama

New residents who decide to call Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia, Alabama home can make up to $10,000 just by relocating there. All you have to do is be at least 18 years old, make more than $52,000 a year, and be a self-employed or remote worker who can relocate within six months of acceptance. Worried that small town life might not be totally right for you? The much more sizable cities of Nashville, Birmingham, and Memphis are all just a two-hour drive from the region.

Browse homes for sale in Alabama’s Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia here.

These are just a few of the cities and states that will pay residents to move there. Alaska pays you to live there, too thanks to its Alaska Permanent Fund. Whether you’re determined to get paid to move or you’re more flexible and just looking for inspiration, the choices are endless. Your new home in a new city is just a search away!