These Six Cities Will Pay You to Relocate and Work There

The coronavirus pandemic has left people feeling uncertain and apprehensive about the future state of the job market. Economies worldwide have entered a period of recession, and it can be difficult for MBA students and graduates to stay positive during a global crisis.

However, as countries begin to shift towards normality again, cities in the US and across the globe have put forward incentives to help current and future workers recover from the financial strain felt during the past few months.

From lower rents to free cash and start-up grants, these six cities are paying people to relocate within their borders, hoping to attract new talent and give the local economy a much-needed boost.

Here’s what each one has to offer and why you might want to consider them.

Savannah, Georgia (USA)

In May 2020, the city of Savannah’s Economic Development Authority (SEDA) established a new Savannah Technology Workforce Incentive to help people working in the technology industry successfully relocate to Georgia. Applicants can be self-employed, remote workers of technology firms based elsewhere, or new hires who have accepted a position at a technology company in the region.

Successful candidates will receive individual moving expenses up to US$2,000, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective.

Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA)

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is quickly becoming a popular destination for American remote workers. While it might not be as appealing to professionals as employment hubs like New York or San Francisco at first, the city’s low median house price, affordable cost of living and urban flair make it a great place to relocate to.

And there’s another perk: the Tulsa Remote program – which is currently open for applications –  gives self-employed and remote workers a US$10,000 bonus and a US$1,000 housing aid fee to relocate to Oklahoma within the next six months. What more could you want?

Topeka, Kansas (USA)

Topeka, the capital city of the state of Kansas, is luring workers in with the Choose Topeka program, which was first approved by city leaders in December 2019. Selected applicants who have resided in Topeka for a year can receive up to US$10,000 to cover rent expenses and up to US$15,000 to help with the purchase of a home in the area.

Many of the city’s largest employers agreed to participate in the program, hoping to target the low number of employees in profitable sectors and revamp the job market within the region.

The Shoals Area, Alabama (USA)

The Remote Worker Incentive Program, or Remote Shoals, is an Alabama-based initiative aimed at bringing tech workers to The Shoals region, which includes the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia and Sheffield.

Applicants have to be either self-employed or full-time remote workers and must make more than US$52,000 to be considered eligible. All successful professionals will receive up to US$10,000 to live in and work remotely from The Shoals.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago is quickly becoming the South American center of entrepreneurship. For those with a solid start-up idea, this beautiful city offers up to US$80,000 in equity-free investment, as well as access to a mentorship program, a network of professionals, and a year-long visa to work and start a business in Chile.

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, might not be your first choice, but don’t rule it out too quickly. The Baltic city has created a Digital Nomad Visa for foreign remote workers who want to relocate elsewhere.

And there are many perks for you to enjoy, for example, access to the EU for non-EU citizens, low living costs, high earnings and the opportunity to still work from anywhere around the world at any time.

For those successful in applying for the digital nomad visa, Estonia has extended the stay period to one year.