States That Pay You to Move in 2026: Opportunities for a Fresh Start

In 2026, states across the U.S. are offering relocation incentives to attract new residents. These programs go beyond simple cash bonuses and often include housing support, career opportunities and community integration perks designed to help newcomers and their families settle in. Whether you’re a remote worker, an in-person professional, or an entrepreneur considering a fresh start, 2026 offers more options than ever before.

What States Pay You to Move in 2026?

In 2026, several U.S. states offer relocation incentives through city- and region-based programs. Popular options include Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas. Incentives typically range from $500 to $25,000+ and may include cash bonuses, down payment assistance, coworking memberships, and local perks for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and in-person professionals.

States that Pay You to Move By Category

Highest incentives: Michigan, Arkansas, Texas

Best for remote workers: Maine, Indiana, Kansas

In-person & workforce roles: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan

What’s New in 2026

Let’s explore the states that pay you to move in alphabetical order and learn more about the incentives they offer.

Arkansas

Up to $18,900 in incentives

The communities of Texarkana, West Memphis and Fort Smith provide remote workers with incentives valued between $ 1,100 to $18,900, including cash to put towards a down payment on a house, coworking memberships and discounted tickets to local businesses.

What’s new: West Memphis now offers an in-person Workforce Program.

Georgia

Up to $8,700 in incentives

Columbus and Macon are using relocation incentives to attract remote workers who want a lower cost of living without giving up access to leadership opportunities, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. Incentives include cash assistance, coworking memberships, and perks from monthly mover meetups to hotel stays while househunting.

What’s new: Columbus was named one of America’s Most Welcoming Places.

Illinois

Up to 9,000 in incentives

Illinois is targeting both in-person and remote workers to the Jacksonville Region with incentives like “Chamber Checks,” a complimentary checking account and 3 months of fiber broadband service to help newcomers get settled in.

What’s new: Qualified movers will receive a personal guided tour of Jacksonville area schools.

Indiana

Up to $19,849 in incentives

Indiana currently has several communities offering relocation programs to remote workers in communities like Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Noblesville and Perry County. New residents can earn up to $5,000 in cash when they relocate to a participating community.

What’s new: More communities, including Fort Wayne and Switzerland County.

Kansas

Incentives starting at $15,500

Kansas is home to several communities that offer up to $15,500 in incentives for in-person and remote workers who relocate to communities like Lincoln County, Hutchinson and Ottawa.

What’s new: More communities are offering incentives including Salina, Emporia and Labette County.

Kentucky

Incentives up to $8,800

Kentucky invites newcomers to communities like Paducah and Whitesburg through remote worker Incentives, offering up to $8,800 in relocation support.

What’s new: Eastern Kentucky was named one of America’s Most Welcoming Places.

Maine

Maine supports relocation through a statewide initiative focused on helping new residents build both a career and a connected life. The program provides access to job opportunities, professional networking, and community integration.

What’s new: Live + Work in Maine program

Michigan

Up to $26,400 for remote workers who qualify for the 100 Homes Program

Remote workers who relocate to Jackson may qualify for its 100 Homes Program, providing up to $25,000 in downpayment assistance.

What’s new: New relocation programs in Southwest Michigan and Shiawassee County.

New Mexico

Up to $500 in incentives

In New Mexico cities like Farmington are attracting remote workers through discounts on amenities such as coworking space and gym memberships for the family.

Oklahoma

Over $10,000 in incentives

Oklahoma has embraced relocation incentives through programs like Tulsa Remote, which provides over $10,000 in incentives including cash and community perks for remote workers moving to the city.

What’s new: Tulsa was named one of America’s Most Welcoming Places.

Pennsylvania

Up to $7,400 in incentives

Pennsylvania is encouraging remote workers to move to communities in Mercer County. Relocation benefits include a membership to a local coworking space, cash to help offset moving costs and family-focused discounts.

What’s new: Communities throughout Mercer County are attracting remote workers.

Texas

Up to $18,900 in incentives

Texas’s strong economy and warm climate make it a top destination.

Texas cities like Texarkana are leveraging incentives to attract new residents. Programs offer up to $5,000 in cash for relocation, along with tuition discounts and membership to professional organizations.

What’s new: Texarkana was named one of America’s Most Welcoming Places.

Why Are States Paying People to Move?

The growing trend of states that pay you to move is driven by efforts to boost local economies, revitalize rural areas and attract young professionals. With the rise of remote work, these programs make it easier than ever to choose a state that aligns with your career and lifestyle goals.

Who Qualifies for Relocation Incentives?

Eligibility requirements vary by program but individuals who might qualify include:

How to Take Advantage of States that Pay You to Move Programs

In 2026, getting paid to move can be a strategic investment for both individuals and families seeking a better quality of life. Whether you’re keeping your remote job, changing careers, or moving to be closer to family, relocation incentives make it easier to land somewhere that fits your life. The MakeMyMove platform simplifies the process by helping movers find the best state for their next chapter.