The Ultimate Guide to Relocation Grants: Ditch Your Rent and Move Smarter

Feel stuck where you are? Whether it’s overpriced rent, debt, or the same old scene, it’s easy to feel trapped. At Ditch My Rent we never want anyone to feel stuck. One way to break the cycle is to consider relocating. Cities and states across the country are offering relocation incentives to people ready to start fresh, buy a home, or bring their remote work hustle to a new spot.

Relocation grants aren’t just about helping you move—they’re about helping you create a life you actually want. Whether you need student loan relief, a down payment boost, or a remote work-friendly city, this guide has the best opportunities to move smarter, ditch your rent, and start living on your terms.

States Offering Student Loan Repayment Assistance

If you’re one of the almost 43 million Americans with student loans it can feel like a series of never ending payments? That said some states are paying people to move there and work in exchange for helping with your student loans.

• Kansas Rural Opportunity Zones: Get Paid to Go Small-Town Ready to trade the hustle for the heartland? Kansas’ Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) program is here to make small-town living worth your while. Move to one of their designated rural counties, and you could score up to $15,000 in student loan repayment assistance. Yep, Kansas is literally paying you to embrace that slower, quieter life.The only catch? You’ll need to live and work in one of the 95 eligible zones. But with plenty of open skies, friendly neighbors, and small-town charm, it might just be the fresh start you’re looking for. Visit the Kansas Commerce website for more details.
• Maine’s Opportunity Tax Credit: Live, Work, and Get PaidMaine wants to help you tackle those student loans while you settle into a new life in Vacationland. Enter the Opportunity Maine Tax Credit, a program designed to reimburse your student loan payments. Here’s how it works: If you’re a full-time Maine resident and meet the program’s graduation and degree requirements, you could score up to $25,000 in lifetime loan forgiveness. Check out Live and Work In Maine for more information
  Heads up—Maine is currently revamping this program to make it simpler and better, so stay tuned for the updated details. For now, just know that if you’re looking for stunning coastlines and student debt relief, Maine might just be calling your name.
• Michigan’s State Loan Repayment Program
  Calling all healthcare pros! Michigan’s got a sweet deal for you. If you work in one of the state’s Health Professional Shortage Areas, you can score up to $300,000 in tax-free student loan repayment. The catch? You’ve got to commit at least two years to the program to unlock the full amount. But if you’re passionate about making a difference (and wiping out that loan balance), this is the move. For more information check out the Michigan Department Of Health and Human Services

States Offering Home-Buying Assistance

Some states focus on grants on home buying assistance for workers relocating.

• Maryland’s SmartBuy 3.0: Down Payment Help + Student Loan ReliefReady to buy a house in Maryland? The SmartBuy 3.0 program hooks you up with $6,000 for a down payment plus student loan repayment assistance. If you’ve got at least $1,000 in student loans, Here’s the deal: they’ll cover up to 15% of your home’s cost in student loans—maxing out at $20,000.There’s a catch, though. At least one borrower’s entire student debt must be paid off at closing. Oh, and you’ll need to qualify for the Maryland Mortgage program. More information can be found here. https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/SmartBuy/default.aspx
• Get To Know Newton Newton, Iowa, is rolling out the welcome mat with its Newton Housing Initiative. Buy a newly constructed home valued at $240,000 or more, and you’ll receive a $10,000 cash incentive at closing, plus a “Get to Know Newton” welcome package loaded with local discounts worth over $2,500. For more information visit Newton Government
  In addition to relocation grants there are hundreds of down payment assistance programs in the US.

Grants for Remote Workers Who Are Ready to Relocate

You can work anywhere with Wi-Fi, but what if "anywhere" offered you a check to move there? These relocation grants are changing the game for digital nomads and remote workers:

• Tulsa, OK: Tulsa, Oklahoma, is rolling out the red carpet for remote workers with its Tulsa Remote program. This initiative allows participants to receive the entire $10,000 upfront as a lump sum to assist with purchasing a home or periodically for renters, Beyond the financial perks, Tulsa Remote members enjoy a three-year free membership at a local coworking space, access to wellness resources, and a vibrant community of fellow remote workers. For more information or to apply, visit the Tulsa Remote website.
• West Virginia - Ascend West Virginia is a relocation program designed to attract remote workers to the Mountain State by offering a combination of financial incentives and lifestyle benefits. Participants receive $12,000, distributed over two years (or a lump sum if you purchase a home), Outdoor recreation package worth over $25,000, complimentary co-working spaces, and community engagement activities. It can be a great opportunity to gain access some beautiful outdoor areas and a better work life balance. For more information visit Ascend WV
• Southern Indiana is making big moves to attract talent with its Choose Southern Indiana initiative. Remote workers can snag a $5,000 relocation bonus for moving to participating counties like Dubois, Orange, or Washington. You’ll need to commit to staying for at least two years to qualify. In addition to the remote worker program, there are incentives for healthcare workers, defense industry professionals, and new hires in local businesses. Each program targets specific sectors to strengthen the local workforce. It’s a chance to live in a welcoming community and enjoy the perks of small-town charm with proximity to urban amenities. For more information or to apply, visit the Choose Southern Indiana website.

Final Thoughts: Your Move, Your Rules

Relocation grants are more than free money—they're a chance to rewrite your story. Whether you're swapping city smog for small-town charm, finally buying a place to call your own, or kicking off your remote work journey, these programs are here to make your move smoother (and cheaper).

So what’s stopping you? Start exploring these options, pack your bags, and say goodbye to that overpriced rent.