Tulsa, Oklahoma Is Paying Remote Workers $10,000 To Relocate

Those looking for a change might be enticed by Oklahoma's new monetary incentive. The City of Tulsa is offering $10,000 to remote workers who relocate there for one year.

“We are looking for talented and energetic people who not only will consider relocating permanently to Tulsa but especially for people who want to make something happen here — to add to the dynamism, idealism and get ‘er done spirit of Tulsa,” said Ken Levit, executive director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

The cash is divided up into several payments: $2,500 for relocation, a $500 monthly stipend, and $1,500 in a single payment at the end of the 12 months. The money is not the only benefit though, there is also an option for discounted rent, and utilities are paid for the first three months. Another benefit is available too, a free one-year membership at a co-working space.

The application details and eligibility guidelines are here on the Tulsa Remote site.

The promise of discounted rent comes during a time when a one-bedroom apartment in Tulsa costs an average of $720 a month and a two-bedroom is $883, according to RentJungle. The median home value is just over $120,000, according to Zillow. On Craigslist, there are some studio apartments for less than $500 a month, and condos for less than $120,000, if you are in the market to buy.

For those seriously considering the offer, the city has a population of just over 400,000 residents and the metro area is almost one million. In terms of weather, the average temperature in Tulsa is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the average annual precipitation is approximately 40 inches.

Oklahoma does have a state income tax, which tops out at 5 percent, according to Smart Asset. For the sake of comparison, California’s highest state income tax rate is 13.3 percent.