5 U.S. Cities That Will Pay You to Move There

Thinking about a fresh start somewhere new? These five cities offer cash, free land, or housing help to make the move easier.

Each takes a different approach, so there's a good chance one fits your situation.

Always confirm the latest details with each program before you make plans.

At a Glance

• Most cash on a single grant: Tulsa, Oklahoma ($10,000)
• Biggest overall package: Charleston, West Virginia (valued at more than $20,000)
• Land offer: Elwood, Nebraska
• Open to local job-takers: Topeka, Kansas
• Remote-worker favorite: Hutchinson, Kansas

1. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa Remote is one of the best-known relocation programs in the country.

It offers a $10,000 grant to qualifying remote workers.

If you buy a home, the grant can be paid as a lump sum or monthly, and if you rent, it's paid monthly.

Zillow reports that more than 4,000 people have moved through the program since 2018.

To qualify, you must:

• Work full-time remotely for an employer outside Oklahoma, or be self-employed outside the state
• Live outside Oklahoma when you apply
• Move to Tulsa within 12 months of acceptance

2. Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston joined the statewide Ascend WV program in 2026.

The program is backed by a $25 million gift to West Virginia University's Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.

The package is valued at more than $20,000 and includes:

• $12,000 in cash ($10,000 in year one, $2,000 in year two)
• More than $1,200 in free outdoor gear rentals
• Business-launch support from West Virginia University
• A free coworking space membership

Zillow reports nearly 1,000 new residents and a 96% retention rate.

You must be a remote worker (or run a company) based outside West Virginia, and the final $2,000 is paid only if you stay for a second year.

3. Topeka, Kansas

Choose Topeka launched in 2019 and welcomes both remote and on-site workers.

It's funded by economic development dollars and about 60 Shawnee County employers.

Here's what you can get:

• On-site workers: up to $10,000 if renting, or $15,000 if buying
• Remote workers: up to $5,000 if renting, or $10,000 if buying, tiered by salary

The grant doesn't need to be repaid as long as you meet the program's requirements.

You'll need to rent or buy your primary residence in Shawnee County within 12 months of your move.

4. Hutchinson, Kansas

Nicknamed "Hutch," this city sits about an hour from Wichita.

Qualified remote workers receive:

• $5,000 cash relocation bonus
• Up to $5,000 in home-buying assistance
• Three months of fiber internet
• A "Relocation Starter Pack" with community memberships
• A one-year Hutchinson Chamber membership

To qualify, you'll need:

• A household income of at least $55,000
• A current home outside Kansas
• A two-year commitment to living in Reno County

5. Elwood, Nebraska

Elwood is a small south-central Nebraska village with a different kind of offer: land.

It offers (nearly) free 110-by-115-foot lots in its Wheatfield Addition community.

Here's how it works:

• Pay a refundable $500 deposit and a $50 building permit fee
• Finish building your primary residence within two years
• Receive $25,000 in down payment assistance once construction is complete

It's a good fit if you want to build something and join a small, tight-knit community.

Before You Say Yes

• Verify the source. Zillow notes that legitimate programs run through city governments, county authorities, or established nonprofits.
• Never pay to apply. Be wary of any third-party site that asks for a fee.
• Budget for the move. Thumbtack estimates long-distance moves cost roughly $650 to $5,500, with about $2,000 being typical.
• Read the fine print. Many programs require a stay of one to two years, and leaving early may mean repaying funds.
• Visit first. A trip, ideally in more than one season, tells you things no website can.

References

1. Ortega, M. "These 13 Cities Will Actually Pay You to Move There." Zillow Learning Center. Published October 8, 2026 (updated October 12, 2026).

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