Rental Rates Revealed: Cheapest Cities for Remote Workers
By Natalia Wolting • Sep 16, 2024
As remote work continues to reshape the American workforce, many professionals are seeking affordable places to call home. This article explores some of the cheapest places to rent in the United States, focusing on communities in Indiana, Arkansas, Texas and Kentucky. These locations not only offer low-cost living but also provide unique benefits for remote workers looking to relocate.
Clinton County, Indiana
Remote workers will appreciate Clinton County's strategic location, situated just an hour northwest of Indianapolis and two hours southeast of Chicago. This positioning allows for easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying a quieter, more affordable lifestyle. The county also benefits from a robust high-speed internet infrastructure, essential for remote work.
The county seat, Frankfort, boasts average rent prices significantly lower than the national average. One-bedroom apartments typically range from $675 to $825 per month, while three-bedroom homes can be found for around $1,200 to $2,000.
Remote workers can find 1-bedroom rentals starting at less than $700 a month in Clinton County.
Frankfort Place Apartments
1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments
Rents starting at $825 per month
Turtle Creek Apartments
Studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments
Rents starting at $675 per month
West Memphis, Arkansas
Located just across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee, West Memphis offers significantly lower living costs than its larger neighbor. Residents can enjoy the cultural offerings and amenities of Memphis while benefiting from Arkansas's lower cost of living and tax rates. The city also boasts several parks and outdoor recreational areas, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in West Memphis hovers around $1,025 to $1,050 per month, with three-bedroom homes available for $1,000 to $2,000.
3-bedroom homes can be rented for as low as $1,000 a month in West Memphis.
Riverside Park Apartments
2 & 3 bedroom units
Rents starting at $1025 per month
Angelo’s Grove Apartments
1, 2 & 3 bedroom units
Rents starting at $1025 per month
Avon, Indiana
A western suburb of Indianapolis, Avon combines small-town living with easy access to big-city amenities. Avon's appeal for remote workers lies in its excellent schools, numerous parks and a strong sense of community. The town's proximity to Indianapolis International Airport is a significant draw for those who need to travel occasionally for work. Avon also boasts a growing restaurant scene and retail options, providing plenty of amenities without the need to venture into the city.
While slightly pricier than some other locations on this list, Avon still offers competitive rental rates. One-bedroom apartments average $1,210 to $1,425 per month, while three-bedroom homes range from $1,550 to $2,330.
Washington Park provides a lot of outdoor amenities for remote workers in Avon.
Avon Creek Apartment Homes
1, 2 & 3 bedroom units
Rents starting at $1210 per month
Satori Flats
1 & 2 bedroom units
Rents start at $1425 per month
Related Offer
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Straddling the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, Fort Smith offers remarkably affordable living options. Remote workers will appreciate Fort Smith's blend of history and modernity. The city boasts a rich frontier heritage, evident in its museums and historic sites - while also offering modern amenities and a growing arts scene.
Fort Smith's cost of living is significantly below the national average, allowing remote workers to stretch their salaries further. One-bedroom apartments in Fort Smith typically rent for $695 to $1,080 per month, while three-bedroom homes average $1,000 to $1,700.
Fort Smith's affordable apartment & house rental options make it perfect for growing families.
Lakeside Townhomes
Lots of amenities with a pool, outdoor grills and fishing for residents
1 & 2 bedroom units
Rents starting at $695 per month
The Reserve at Chaffee Crossing
New construction with pool, movie theater and clubhouse located near several trails and parks.
1 & 2 bedroom apartments and townhomes
Rents starting at $1080 per month
Texarkana, Arkansas/Texas
Uniquely positioned on the border of Arkansas and Texas, Texarkana offers affordable living options in both states. The city also offers a diverse economy, rich cultural heritage and access to outdoor recreational activities. Foodies will delight in Texarkana's diverse culinary scene, with a blend of Texan and Arkansan specialties.
Remote workers can benefit from Texarkana's strategic location, allowing them to take advantage of the different tax structures and regulations of both Arkansas and Texas. Rental prices are similar on both sides of the border, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $725 to $1060 and three-bedroom homes ranging from $1,000 to $1,900 per month.
Remote workers can take advantage of Texarkana's strategic location for tax purposes.
The Pointe at Texarkana - AR
1, 2 & 3 bedroom units
Rents from $800 per month
Arista Apartments - TX
1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes
Rents from $1055 per month
Paducah, Kentucky
Remote workers will find Paducah's creative atmosphere particularly appealing. The city is known for its thriving arts scene, historic downtown and annual quilt festival. Paducah's location also provides easy access to outdoor recreation, including water activities on the nearby rivers and lakes.
Situated at the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, Paducah offers small-town charm with surprisingly affordable rent. One-bedroom apartments in Paducah typically rent for $850 to $1,225 per month, while three-bedroom homes average $800 to $1,100.
Paducah has abundant affordable rental options for remote workers.
Timber Village Apartments
1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments
Rents from $850 per month
The Lory of Greenway Village
1, 2 & 3 bedroom units
Rents starting at $1225 per month
Related Offer
Beyond Affordability
While affordability is a key factor, these communities offer more than just budget-friendly rents. They provide access to essential amenities like high-speed internet, essential for remote work. Additionally, all of these communities are actively participating in the MakeMyMove relocation program, demonstrating their commitment to welcoming remote workers. The program offers a variety of incentives in these communities including:
Relocation reimbursement - Financial assistance to help cover moving costs to reduce the initial burden.
Remote work stipends - Some communities offer a monthly or annual stipend to offset internet and co-working space expenses.
Housing assistance – Community members will help movers find housing that meets their requirements.
Community connections - Many communities provide resources to connect newcomers to local events and organizations, fostering a sense of belonging.
About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.
New Offer Updates
Get notified about new offers and incentive packages