States That Will Pay You to Move There in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Places across the U.S. are offering incentives to attract new residents, ranging from cash to free recreation equipment.
• Since the pandemic, relocation programs have become more popular as remote work and an affordability crisis push people to consider new options.
• Many of the places offering incentives are in the Midwest.

Did you know some states will pay you thousands of dollars just to move there? In an era where the cost of living has reached near-record highs and about 22% of people work remotely, many places are seizing the opportunity to attract residents through innovative incentives.

From tax breaks to cash, these programs are designed to attract a diverse range of talent, boost populations, and strengthen local economies. Some of the incentives are substantial, reaching $20,000, while others are smaller and offer free recreation equipment, assistance with down payments, or mortgage subsidies. Most places are focused on bringing in remote workers, but some states offer financial incentives for individuals willing to accept local jobs. 

The benefits go two ways: New residents get to work somewhere new and receive perks in doing so, while cities get to grow their economies and add new residents. 

So, whether you’re considering moving across the country for a change of scenery or looking for some extra income, there may be a few destinations on this list that catch your attention. Let’s take a closer look at 13 states that pay you to move there.

1. Alaska

If moving closer to the great outdoors sounds appealing to you, nothing beats the rugged, beautiful landscape of Alaska. But how much is Alaska willing to pay you to move there?

Alaska incentivizes people to relocate through its Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)—one of the longest-running incentive programs in the country. Alaskans who have lived in the state for at least one full calendar year receive an annual dividend ranging from $850-$3,000. Beginning in 1982, the dividend has been a hallmark of the state for decades and provided billions to its residents. It has recently faced budget shortfalls but remains foundational to the state.

Finally, Alaska has no state income or sales tax (local taxes may apply, though). Plus, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife and have access to incredible seafood and rich Native culture. Ketchikan, in Southeastern Alaska, is going the extra mile to attract you by offering 3 months of fiber-optic internet for free. 

To see if your forever home is in Alaska, look up homes for sale in Alaska and Alaska rentals in popular cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks.

2. Arkansas

Rolling rivers, drifting plains, and decades of Civil Rights history make Arkansas a one-of-a-kind state to call home. Two cities in Arkansas want remote workers to make the move: Texarkana and West Memphis. 

Both incentive packages are worth over $10,000, with at least half of that purely cash. They’ll even throw in some outdoor gear to explore the area’s vast wildernesses. The cities are fairly large in their own right, too, with distinct communities and plenty of amenities. Texarkana is especially interesting, as incentives top $18,000 and allow you to choose between living in Texas and Arkansas. It’s been very popular so far. 

If calling Arkansas home has a nice ring to it, check out homes for sale or apartments for rent in Arkansas to see if your next dream home is available.

3. Georgia

Columbus, GA is focused on the future. The city has spent the past three years investing in economic growth by attracting new workers to the region. And now, it’s willing to pay people to make the move.

The region is attracting new residents through an initiative called Move to Meaningful, which was launched in 2024 and has been renewed in 2026 following strong success. Eligible remote workers can receive $5,000 in cash, coworking experiences, and more, worth a total of $8,700. More than 7,000 people applied for the program when it first launched. 

The area’s abundant outdoor recreation, sunny weather, strong job market, and affordable cost of living (housing is 30% cheaper than the national average) are strong draws on their own—and even better on top of the incentives Columbus is offering.

4. Indiana

Indiana has over 100 incentive programs encouraging renters and homebuyers to call the Hoosier State home. And with everything from major metros to remote farmland, there’s a reason so many people already do. The Indy500, Indiana Dunes National Park, and renowned universities are some of the many highlights.

Most of the communities offering incentives are located in the prairies of Eastern and Northern Indiana and hills of Southern Indiana. But others are primary cities or major suburbs. Noblesville, outside of Indianapolis, and towns in Floyd County, outside Louisville, are willing to dish out incentives worth $15,000 to qualifying applicants. Other smaller towns and counties offer between $5,000-$8,000, with Angola offering a massive $20,000. You’ll likely find something that fits your needs.

5. Illinois

What’s not to love about Illinois? You have soaring Chicago and its unique culture, historic Springfield and its Old State Capitol, and miles of open prairies, all ripe with opportunity. Cold and snowy winters are an added bonus for some. So, why not give it a shot if the state will pay you to move?

Since 2024, the Jacksonville Region in Southwestern Illinois has been offering generous relocation packages for job seekers or remote workers to settle down. The cities of Pittsfield and Jacksonville are offering up to $9,000 in incentives for homeowners or renters to settle down, so long as they have a remote job or are willing to get a new job in town.

6. Kansas

Notoriously flat and windy, Kansas is a hidden gem in the center of the country. Farming, sports, and recreation are top ticket items among its passionate residents – and the state wants to add you to the roster. 

More than 15 cities and counties across the state offer incentives ranging from cash, to student loan assistance, and more. Most participating communities are located in Northwest Kansas, a rural area trying to boost its population. Buhler, northwest of Wichita, offers the state’s largest incentive, worth up to $15,500 for relocating workers.

Kansas has spent over a decade encouraging people to move to rural areas of the state, many of which have seen consistent population declines. And in the case of a large metro like Topeka, the incentives have worked, helping reverse population declines in the county. The Choose Topeka Initiative collaborates with employers to offer cash funds and more to workers moving from out of state.

No matter which place you end up choosing, take a look at homes for sale or rentals in Kansas to see what living in America’s Heartland could look like. 

7. Kentucky

Kentucky produces corn, soybeans, and 95% of the world’s bourbon. However, it’s famous for much more than just agriculture: Horse racing, Southern cuisine, gorgeous scenery, and Bluegrass music are favorites. 

Communities across Kentucky are offering incentives for residents to relocate and enjoy everything the state has to offer. Most are located in rural parts of the Commonwealth, like Eastern and Southwestern Kentucky. Mayfield, to the west, advertises the largest package, worth around $8,800; many Appalachian and college towns in Eastern Kentucky offer incentives worth up to $7,500; while Paducah, along the Ohio River, offers $5,000 in cash. In total, there are eight incentives statewide for people to choose from. 

8. Michigan

Cities across Michigan are rebounding from decades of Rust Belt decline, offering affordable living, revitalized downtowns, and easy access to regional hubs like Chicago, Fort Wayne, IN, and Detroit. Now, the state is working to attract new residents to experience its growing economy, snowy winters, and iconic Great Lakes scenery. 

Cities in Central, Western, and Southwestern Michigan like Muskegon and Grand Rapids are looking for new residents to relocate and buy a home. Some are offering additional benefits for those pursuing careers in in-demand fields like healthcare and IT, or for recent college graduates. Benefits can top $7,000, and nearly all offer some form of housing assistance.

9. Missouri

Missouri combines a relatively low cost of living with thriving cities, small-town charm, and plenty of access to the outdoors. In the state’s rural north, Mercer County offers a quieter pace of life surrounded by farmland, lakes, and close-knit communities. And if you’re ready for a change of scenery, the county may even pay you to make the move. 

Through at least late 2026, Mercer County is offering a cash stipend, free membership to the recreation center, and one year of free internet service to people who want to relocate. The total incentive is worth over $6,500, and it’s available to both remote workers and job seekers.

10. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is paying to relocate remote workers through a program called Tulsa Remote. With a low cost of living, a thriving remote work community, and countless opportunities to explore the city, it’s no wonder Tulsa has been attracting a steady stream of new residents. In fact, since 2018, Tulsa Remote alone has brought more than 4,000 people to the area and generated tens of millions of dollars for the region. It has been remarkably successful, albeit with some controversy. 

A prosperous oil town, Tulsa has a lot going for it. From Art Deco architecture in the Deco District, to a gleaming museum in an Italian villa, there’s plenty to enjoy. Plus, if you’re looking to buy a house in Tulsa, prices are about half the national average. Through Tulsa Remote, you’ll receive cash and other benefits for your Oklahoma relocation.

But if you’re not ready to make the leap to homeownership, no worries. Consider renting an apartment in Tulsa or checking out houses for rent to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the area before putting down roots. 

11. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a little bit of everything, from big-city living to quiet towns surrounded by forests, rivers, and rolling hills. And now, cities throughout Mercer County in Western Pennsylvania want you to experience it. The region combines affordable housing and abundant outdoor recreation with easy access to both Pittsburgh and Cleveland. 

Sharon, Farrell, Greenville, and Hermitage are the participating cities and are all providing relocation packages worth up to $8,400 for accepted applicants. Depending on where you move, benefits include thousands of dollars toward buying or renting a home, free coworking space, gym memberships, golf, outdoor activities, and other local perks.

12. West Virginia

Famous for more than just its “country roads,” West Virginia offers one of the most lucrative programs to attract new residents to the state. The moving incentive is called Ascend West Virginia, and they’re currently accepting applications from people who want to get paid to move. The program is worth $20,000 and focuses on the Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Elkins, Lewisburg, and Eastern Panhandle communities. 

In addition to a huge chunk of change, new transplants can also receive outdoor recreational equipment along with other benefits to sweeten the pot. West Virginia’s median sale price, at $259,000, is also well below the national median.

This program is quite popular, so get a head start on some house or apartment hunting by scoping out West Virginia rentals and homes for sale in West Virginia before applications fill up.

13. Wisconsin

There’s hardly been a better time to experience all that Wisconsin has to offer. Nearly 16,000 lakes, four distinct seasons, and house prices $50,000 below the national median make it an appealing place to put down roots. And now, you could get paid to call it home.

Several cities across Central and Southern Wisconsin are offering relocation incentives totaling up to $11,500 to remote workers or job seekers looking to put down roots in their neck of the woods. Fond du Lac, Black River Falls, Eau Claire, Milwaukee, West Allis, and West Bend are all participating, along with several encompassing counties. 

Final thoughts: Places will pay you to move, but do your due diligence

With remote work still popular and affordability pushing some to relocate, states are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. If you’re a remote worker moving out of state or looking for a fresh start and new job, these places could pay off—literally—while also offering a relatively lower cost of living.

If you decide to make a move, it’s important to do your due diligence and understand how much house you can afford—even with the incentives on the table. Use Redfin’s rental affordability calculator to see how much rent fits in your budget, or check out Redfin’s mortgage calculator to check what a monthly payment might look like if you were to purchase a home. 

There are dozens of offers and incentives for people willing to relocate, but most have specific income, employment, residency, or relocation requirements. Visit MakeMyMove to see a full list of current programs. 

Program details and housing market data is current as of August 2026. This article is for informational purposes only. Redfin does not endorse any of the programs mentioned. Redfin strongly recommends that consumers make informed decisions and independently verify that a state, city, or financial offering will meet their needs.

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