6 Places in the U.S. That will Pay Thousands of Dollars to Foreigners Willing to Relocate There

Living in major U.S. cities comes with high housing costs and less space for your money. When the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the rise of remote work, many workers started reconsidering life in cities like New York and San Francisco.

Despite some companies pushing for in-office work, many still offer hybrid or fully remote options, according to Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster. She encourages taking advantage of this flexibility and broadening your job search beyond your current zip code.

“You can pursue jobs beyond the constraints of a particular zip code,” Salemi said.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate or just looking for a change, finding a job that lets you work from anywhere could help you save money.

As of July 2024, here are some cities and states offering financial incentives, with some paying up to $12,000.

West Virginia

• Program: Ascend West Virginia
• Incentive: Up to $12,000 or more
• Details: Besides money, West Virginia offers new residents a free outdoor recreation package, co-working space, and more. You must live in the state for at least two years in specific communities: New River Gorge, Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Eastern Panhandle, and Greater Elkins. In the first year, you’ll receive $10,000 in monthly installments and $2,000 at the end of your second year. Eligibility requires remote work, proof of employment and income, the ability to relocate within six months, being 18 or older, and U.S. citizenship or a green card.

Rochester, New York

• Program: Greater ROC Relocate
• Incentive: Up to $9,000 in homeowner grants
• Details: Applicants must be at least 18, eligible to work in the U.S., live at least 300 miles from Rochester, and relocate within six months of acceptance. So far, 32 remote workers have relocated through this program.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Program: Tulsa Remote
• Incentive: $10,000 in rental grants or a lump sum for a qualifying home, plus a three-year co-working space membership.
• Details: Launched in 2018, Tulsa Remote requires applicants to be 18 or older, authorized to work in the U.S., have full-time remote employment outside Oklahoma, and relocate within 12 months of approval. You must also have lived outside Oklahoma for a year before applying. The process includes a virtual interview, background check, and income verification. Once approved, you must sign a qualifying lease or buy a home and attend a new member orientation to receive the grant.

Topeka, Kansas

• Program: Choose Topeka
• Incentive: Up to $10,000 for rent in the first year or up to $15,000 towards buying a home
• Details: To qualify, your employer must join the GO Topeka employee transfer program and contribute $2,500 to $15,000. The program reimburses part of the total relocation incentive after the first year. Topeka also has programs offering $5,000 to former residents and military personnel transitioning out of service, which can be used as desire

The Shoals, Alabama

• Program: Remote Shoals
• Incentive: Up to $10,000 in three installments
• Details: Applicants need to earn at least $52,000 annually, relocate within six months, and work remotely full-time or be self-employed outside Colbert and Lauderdale counties. You must be 18 or older and eligible to work in the U.S. The program is currently paused, but applications reopen on September 1, 2024, through September 30, with selections in December 2024.

Illinois

• Program: Make My Move
• Incentive: Starting at $6,800
• Details: Communities like Jacksonville, Mattoon, and Pittsfield offer various perks. Jacksonville provides a package worth $9,300, including $5,000 cash for relocation. You need to earn at least $50,000 annually. Mattoon offers $5,000 for relocation plus money for local restaurants, requiring a $45,000 annual income and living 100 miles away when applying. Pittsfield offers $5,000 cash for relocation and covers some household bills, requiring an annual income of $65,000 and living 100 miles away.

These programs provide great opportunities for those looking to relocate while keeping costs low.