Several countries and regions offer incentives to attract new residents, often targeting rural areas with declining populations, with examples including Switzerland (Albinen) offering significant sums for families under 45 to buy property and commit to 10 years, Spain (Extremadura, Ponga) providing grants for digital nomads and young families, Italy (Calabria) offering grants to younger people starting businesses, and Japan's programs to repopulate rural towns. These programs typically require long-term commitments, specific age brackets, or professional skills to qualify.
Get paid to move to Spain
So, Ponga, Asturias plans to boost the local economy by tempting skilled workers from other countries. Incoming families will receive €2,971 (US$3,448/£2,5735*) to move and an additional €2,971 for each newborn baby. Sounds like a good deal!
Iran was the first country to introduce a national basic income in Autumn 2010. It is paid to all citizens and replaces the subsidies of petrol, fuel, and other supplies that the country had for decades in order to reduce inequality and poverty.
The city of Cumberland, Maryland, offers a relocation package of up to $20,000 (cash plus renovation/down payment match) to attract new residents, especially remote workers, to revitalize the area. While not a state, this specific city program within Maryland provides significant incentives, matching $10,000 cash with up to $10,000 for home improvements or new construction for those moving from outside Allegany County and committing to residency.
Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru deliver some of the lowest costs of living and most accessible pension visas in Latin America, where a typical $2,000 monthly Social Security check can comfortably cover housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses.
Topeka, Kansas
The incentive is an employer match scheme that focuses on housing costs. If you're renting, it's up to $10,000; for home buyers, it increases to the full $15,000. That means, unlike Tulsa Remote and Ascend WV, this is not a grant you can use freely.
Here's a quick overview of some states that pay you to move:
How To Move Out With No Money
Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States grant citizenship automatically to anyone born there. For parents who relocate temporarily, this can create a new family citizenship at USD 0 cost.
Canada will pay you to live there for 10 years as long as you maintain residency and file taxes. The only catch is that you must have graduated from a post-secondary school on their list of approved institutions.
Hawaii is the happiest state in America for the second year in a row. Hawaii landed the top spot on WalletHub's list with an overall score of 65.50. It ranked third for emotional and physical well-being, 16th for work environment and 13th for community and environment.
Nine U.S. states currently have no state income tax on earned income: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, though some nuances exist, like Washington's new capital gains tax and New Hampshire's phase-out of its interest/dividend tax. These states often balance their budgets with higher sales, property, or excise taxes.
Mankato, Kansas
Mankato is a town of 900 people located in a county of around 3,000 — and if a small-town atmosphere in a rural part of a rural state sounds good to you, you can flock there for free land like the homesteaders of old.
Here's a look at 10 cities that will pay you to move there in 2025.
The city of Cumberland, Maryland, offers a relocation package of up to $20,000 (cash plus renovation/down payment match) to attract new residents, especially remote workers, to revitalize the area. While not a state, this specific city program within Maryland provides significant incentives, matching $10,000 cash with up to $10,000 for home improvements or new construction for those moving from outside Allegany County and committing to residency.
The cheapest way to move out of state is usually a DIY truck rental for larger moves or using your personal car/van for smaller loads, handling all labor yourself to save on movers. Key savings come from decluttering heavily, packing with free supplies, moving in the off-season (winter), and enlisting friends for help. For convenience without driving stress, moving containers or freight trailers can also be cost-effective.