Five states are offering up to $20,000 for new residents to settle down - here is where you can get pay to move to

West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Indiana and Kentucky offer financial incentives to new residentsAs the cost of living increases, affordability is said to be the most powerful force driving real estate in 2024The offers range from $5,000 in Indiana and Kentucky to $20,000 in West Virginia

As the cost of living increases across the country, some states are offering big financial incentives to bring new residents to their towns.

An analysis from Republican members of the US Senate Joint Economic Committee that compared the prices of everyday essentials including food, housing, energy and transportation from October 2023 to January 2021 found Americans need an extra $11,400 a year to afford the same quality of life.

Seeking reprieve from costly expenses, affordability is said to be the most powerful force driving real estate in 2024, according to Zillow.

The real estate company said cities in the Great Lakes, Midwest and the South are among the hottest markets this year due to job growth, home value growth and how quickly homes are being sold.

For those looking to get paid to move and escape high-density urban living, here are five states with affordable housing opportunities and relocation bonuses, according to MakeMyMove.com.

West Virginia

The Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the Mountain State.

The Ascend West Virginia program offers $12,000 to remote workers who move to the Mountain State. Morgantown (pictured) offers additional incentives that bring the total to $20,000

Applicants must be 18 years or older and already have a full-time remote job to qualify for the program.

If selected, participants will receive $10,000 over their first year paid in monthly installments. Then they will receive $2,000 after completing their second year in West Virginia.

Cities such as Morgantown and Greenbrier Valley offer additional incentives that bring the total up to $20,000.

According to Zillow, the average home value in West Virginia is $154,371.

Kansas

In Kansas, the city of Topeka is offering up to $15,000 to move and work in Shawnee County.

Topeka, Kansas (pictured), offers up to $15,000 to move and work in Shawnee County

Participants in the GO Topeka program must work for an employer participating in the program and move to Topeka for their full-time job. They can receive $10,000 for renting in the first year and $15,000 in funds for purchasing a home.

Kansas also offers a tax reimbursement for employee moving expenses for those who relocate to the Sunflower State.

The average home value in Kansas is $212,995.

Oklahoma

The Tulsa Remote program offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Remote program offers $10,000 to remote workers who move to Oklahoma. Pictured Tulsa, Oklahoma

Program requirements include currently having a full-time remote job and living outside of Oklahoma for one full year before applying.

If selected, participants will receive their money after a lease has been signed or a qualifying home has been purchased and approved. In addition to the grant, participants receive a 36-month membership to a co-working space.

In Oklahoma, the average home value is $195,594.

Indiana

Several communities in Indiana offer relocation incentives to attract new residents to their towns.

Marion, Indiana (pictured) offers cash incentives starting at $5,000 to move to the town

Marion and Angola offer cash incentives starting at $5,000. In southern Indiana, Daviess County will give new residents $5,000 to move to the rural community.

The average home value in Indiana is $227,178.

Kentucky

Five counties in eastern Kentucky came together to offer financial incentives for remote workers, according to Shaping Our Appalachian Region.

Floyd, Harlan (pictured), Johnson, Letcher and Pike counties in eastern Kentucky are offering packages including $5,000 for relocation

The packages include a $5,000 cash for relocation, the opportunity to access a $2,500 bonus for a spouse who will work locally in education or healthcare and a welcome package worth $250.

The offer is available in Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Letcher and Pike counties.

In Kentucky, the average home value is $194,848.