
Relocation money for US residents if you work remotely
September 29, 2024
0

As the editor of The Wandered, I’ve gathered some fantastic programs for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who work remotely and are willing to relocate. These programs offer financial incentives to help cover moving costs.
1. Tulsa, Oklahoma – $10,000

- Program: Tulsa Remote
- What’s offered: $10,000 for remote workers who move to Tulsa, plus a free year of coworking.
- Tulsa Remote
- Since its launch in November 2018, Tulsa Remote has attracted over 3,000 participants as of 2023. The program aims to revitalize the local economy by inviting remote workers to relocate to Tulsa.
- Participants receive $10,000 as an incentive, along with other benefits such as discounted coworking spaces and networking opportunities.
Participant demographics
- Around 90% of participants hold a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 32% of Tulsa’s local population.
- Participants report a median income of $85,000, significantly higher than the regional median income of $58,000.
- The retention rate is impressive, with 76% of participants still living in Tulsa after completing their one-year commitment.
Elena Haskins, a UX designer from New York, moved to Tulsa, launched her own design studio, and doubled her income within eight months. Obum Ukabum moved from California with his wife and started contributing to the community by volunteering and directing local theater.
Reasons for refusal
Ineligibility - applicants must be full-time remote workers and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Those on temporary work visas or without remote jobs may be ineligible.
High Competition: Due to the popularity of the program, not all applications are accepted, particularly if they do not align with the city’s broader economic goals.
For more information about the program and testimonials, you can visit the official Tulsa Remote Economic Impact Report.
2. Vermont – $7,500

- Program: Remote Worker Grant
- What’s offered: Up to $7,500 to cover relocation and home office setup costs.
- ThinkVermont
If you’re interested in more relocation programs, check out my full article on The Wandered here.
The Remote Worker Grant Program in Vermont was launched in 2018 to attract remote workers to the state. It offers up to $7,500 to cover relocation expenses for individuals who move to Vermont and work remotely. By 2021, the program helped 307 individuals relocate to Vermont, generating an estimated $17.1 million for the state's economy.
Demographics & Benefits
Of the 84 participants in the initial phase (by September 2019), 70% were under the age of 40, with 95% of them having at least a bachelor's degree. Many of the participants were from fields such as IT, management, and finance.
Reasons for refusal
The grant is only available on a first-come, first-served basis, with funding limited by legislative allocation each year. Applicants must have already relocated to Vermont and must provide documentation of qualifying expenses. The program focuses on remote workers with full-time employment. Those who do not meet this requirement or who apply after the funds are exhausted are often rejected.
3. Harmony, Minnesota – $12,000

- Program: Up to $12,000 for new residents who build or purchase a home.
- Harmony
The Harmony, Minnesota Residential Rebate Program has been highly successful since its launch in 2014. The program offers up to $12,000 for new residents who build or purchase homes in the city.
How the program works
New residents who build homes worth at least $125,000 in Harmony qualify for rebates ranging from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the home's value.
As of 2023, the city increased the rebate to a maximum of $20,000 for homes that add higher taxable value to the city. The program has successfully added 19 new housing units and generated over $3 million in taxable value for the town.
Your Price Booking
If you’re looking for temporary accommodation during your move, Your Price Booking offers discounted hotel and home rentals, helping you save while finding great places to stay.
If your heart is with Canada, then read in detail about the programs there in this article.