Remote work is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift that’s changing how and where Americans live. With approximately 22.9% of U.S. employees working remotely as of early 2024, professionals are increasingly leaving high-cost hubs like San Francisco and New York in search of more affordable, livable cities.
As more professionals leave high-cost hubs like San Francisco and New York, affordable mid-sized cities are emerging as attractive alternatives. But here’s the challenge: not every affordable city offers long-term investment value.
This blog explores U.S. cities that balance the cost of living with real estate return on investment (ROI), giving remote workers a smart way to grow their wealth while enjoying a better quality of life.
Overview
If you're a remote worker looking to save on living costs and build long-term wealth, relocating to an affordable city with strong real estate ROI is a smart move. Cities like Tulsa, Boise, and Chattanooga offer fast internet, low rent, and growing property values, making them ideal for work and investment alike.
Comparing The Best Cities for Remote Workers In The USA
Not all affordable cities offer the same investment potential. To shortlist the best options for remote workers, we used five key criteria that combine lifestyle value with long-term financial upside. Here’s how each city was evaluated:
10 Cost-Friendly Cities For Remote Workers In The USA
These cities offer a rare combination: budget-friendly living, supportive ecosystems for remote work, and real estate markets with long-term upside. Each city below brings its own mix of lifestyle benefits and wealth-building opportunities for remote professionals.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa has positioned itself as a national pioneer in remote worker attraction. Beyond affordability, its civic strategy has focused on population growth through programs like Tulsa Remote, which not only offer cash incentives but help integrate newcomers through curated networking and housing support.
The city also boasts a rapidly expanding arts scene, historic Art Deco neighborhoods, and revitalized downtown districts with strong rental demand. For real estate investors, low property taxes and high occupancy rates make Tulsa a strategic choice for stable rental income.
Boise, Idaho
Boise has quietly evolved into a magnet for remote professionals leaving saturated West Coast markets. It offers a clean, community-driven environment with proximity to the Rocky Mountains, plus a growing tech presence that supports flexible work lifestyles.
The city’s real estate market has seen consistent appreciation over the past five years, driven by inbound migration and limited housing supply. Investors benefit from strong rental demand, especially in walkable neighborhoods near Boise State University and downtown coworking hubs.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga’s claim to fame is its gig-speed internet, which laid the foundation for a growing ecosystem of tech startups, freelancers, and remote-first entrepreneurs across the city.
With revitalized riverfront areas and affordable homes, the city offers investors attractive entry points and consistent rental yields, especially in emerging creative districts and near outdoor recreation zones.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland stands out for offering one of the lowest costs of living among major metro areas, while still maintaining access to healthcare, universities, and a thriving cultural scene.
Its undervalued housing market has begun attracting investor attention, particularly in neighborhoods near public transit and lakefront redevelopment zones with rising rental demand.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio blends historic charm with modern infrastructure, making it appealing for remote professionals who value culture, warm climates, and access to major industry sectors like healthcare and defense.
Real estate investors benefit from Texas's no state income tax and consistent population growth, especially in neighborhoods near universities and medical centers, where rental demand remains steady.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines offers a strong professional environment with its concentration of finance, insurance, and agritech firms—ideal for remote workers in stable, white-collar industries.
The housing market remains investor-friendly, with steady appreciation and high tenant retention in suburbs close to green spaces and school districts favored by relocating families.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville’s downtown revitalization and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains have made it a popular destination for remote workers seeking a balance between lifestyle and opportunity.
Real estate demand is rising in walkable neighborhoods and areas near manufacturing hubs, offering solid rental potential and long-term property value growth for investors.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville offers remote workers proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains and a vibrant local community supported by arts, music, and regional food scenes.
The housing market is gaining investor traction, particularly in student-heavy zones near the University of Tennessee and revitalized areas with mixed-use developments.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque blends rich cultural heritage with outdoor appeal, drawing in creatives, freelancers, and remote workers looking for inspiration beyond the typical urban setting.
Investor interest is growing in neighborhoods near film studios and downtown districts, where affordability and tourism traffic support both long-term rentals and short-term stays.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins offers a high quality of life with strong sustainability efforts, a growing tech scene, and quick access to Rocky Mountain recreation for remote professionals seeking balance.
Though its cost of living is higher, investors are drawn to stable appreciation trends and strong rental interest from university students, outdoor enthusiasts, and remote tech workers.
What Makes a City Ideal for Remote Work?
Finding the right city for remote work isn’t just about rent prices. Several factors determine whether a location truly supports a remote lifestyle while offering long-term value. Below are the key traits to look for when evaluating a city.
Reliable High-Speed Internet
Strong internet connectivity is non-negotiable. Most remote professionals require stable speeds for video conferencing, large file transfers, and cloud-based tools. Cities like Chattanooga, TN, and Kansas City, MO, lead with gigabit internet services. According to Ookla, speeds above 250 Mbps are considered optimal for seamless work-from-home performance.
Affordable Cost of Living
A city’s cost of living affects everything from rent to groceries. Lower costs stretch your income further and allow for saving or investing in property. Cities with a cost of living index below the national average (100) offer significant financial breathing room. Tulsa, for example, has an index of 85.8—nearly 15% below the U.S. average.
An abundance of Coworking Spaces
Even remote workers need a change of scenery. Cities with coworking hubs make it easier to network, collaborate, or simply break the home-office routine. Atlanta, Jersey City, and Charlotte have strong coworking ecosystems with Wi-Fi, private booths, and flexible memberships.
Walkability and Transportation
Walkable neighborhoods and transit access improve daily convenience. Many remote workers prefer cities where errands, dining, and workspaces are within reach. Areas like Portland, OR, and Boston, MA, score high on walkability indexes, reducing the need for a car.
Lifestyle and Local Amenities
Outdoor spaces, healthcare access, and cultural activities matter. A city that supports mental well-being and personal growth adds value beyond financial metrics. Proximity to parks, restaurants, and safe neighborhoods can enhance long-term livability. Cities like Boise and San Antonio offer this balance well.
Investor Angle: Why These Cities Offer High ROI
Remote work isn’t just reshaping where people live—it’s reshaping where investors can find strong returns. Here’s why these affordable cities are becoming prime territory for real estate investors focused on long-term value.
Steady Inbound Migration Boosts Rental Demand
Cities like Tulsa, Chattanooga, and Boise are experiencing rising population inflows, particularly from remote workers relocating from high-cost metros. This trend creates sustained demand for rental housing, especially near coworking hubs, downtown corridors, and university zones. For investors, this means fewer vacancies and reliable cash flow.
Affordable Entry Points With Upside Potential
Unlike major coastal cities, many of the locations in this list still have below-average home prices. Markets like Cleveland and Des Moines allow investors to enter with lower capital while benefiting from appreciation as these cities attract more digital workers and infrastructure investments.
Local Incentives and Tax Advantages
Some cities offer direct incentives, such as Tulsa’s $10,000 relocation grant, while others benefit from favorable tax environments. States like Texas and Tennessee impose no state income tax, which can improve investor margins and attract long-term tenants seeking similar financial advantages.
Diverse Economic Backing for Stability
These markets aren’t one-dimensional. Most have a healthy mix of industries—healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing—that support long-term job growth. This economic diversity lowers risk, making these cities more resilient during downturns and more attractive for renters.
Appeal to a Growing Renter Demographic
Remote professionals increasingly prefer renting for flexibility. Many are long-term renters with stable incomes, high credit scores, and remote-friendly jobs. That makes them ideal tenants for investors aiming for lower turnover and dependable rent collection.
Things to Watch Out For Before You Move
Even if a city looks ideal on paper, remote workers and investors should evaluate a few key challenges before committing. These factors can affect both the quality of life and real estate performance.
Limited Public Transportation in Smaller Cities
While affordability is a draw, many mid-sized cities lack comprehensive public transit. If you're used to walkable commutes or metro access, car dependency in cities like Des Moines or Chattanooga could impact your daily routine or tenant appeal.
Uneven Internet Coverage Outside Urban Cores
Although cities may advertise high average internet speeds, coverage isn’t always uniform. Some suburban or rural neighborhoods experience weaker signals, which can be a deal-breaker for remote workers who rely on consistent connectivity.
Healthcare Access May Be Limited
Not all affordable cities have robust healthcare infrastructure. While larger hospitals may be present, wait times and specialist access can vary. This is especially important for families or retirees relocating to more budget-friendly areas.
Zoning and Rental Regulations Vary Widely
Investors should research local zoning codes and short-term rental rules. Some cities impose strict limits on Airbnb-style rentals or require licensing for multi-unit properties, which could affect ROI plans.
Weather and Environmental Risks
From wildfire-prone areas in the West to hurricane risks in the South, environmental factors should not be overlooked. Insurance costs and climate resilience can significantly impact both comfort and investment stability.
Conclusion
Remote work has opened the door to new cities that offer not just affordability, but real investment potential. Places like Tulsa, Boise, and Cleveland prove that it’s possible to enjoy a flexible lifestyle while growing long-term wealth through smart real estate choices.
If you’re considering a move, start by shortlisting cities that align with your income, investment goals, and lifestyle needs. And before you decide, check out ZeroFlux’s newsletters to make data-backed decisions that pay off.
FAQs
How Can Remote Workers Check Internet Quality Before Moving?
Use tools like BroadbandNow or Ookla Speedtest to compare speeds by ZIP code. Also, check with local ISPs for service availability in specific neighborhoods before signing a lease or buying property.
Is It Better to Rent or Buy in These Affordable Cities?
If you're planning to stay long-term and the market is appreciating, buying could offer equity growth. For short stays or uncertain plans, renting allows flexibility while you assess the area firsthand.
Do Relocation Grants Affect Real Estate Prices?
Yes, large-scale grant programs can increase demand in targeted neighborhoods, often leading to rising rents and home values. Investors should monitor these programs to identify upcoming growth corridors early.
Can Remote Workers Use Retirement Accounts to Buy Property?
Yes, some workers use a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in real estate. However, there are strict IRS rules around personal use and transactions, so professional guidance is recommended.