It’s no surprise that remote work has become increasingly popular among Americans within the last year.
After the nationwide shift to work-from-home setups during the COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes toward remote work are changing rapidly, with workers now seeking the flexibility and work-life balance they experienced while working from home throughout 2020 and 2021. Remote work has even sparked moving trends across the country, as workers migrate to cities that offer more affordable living costs and employment opportunities with work-from-home or fully remote options.
Extra Space Storage researched cities across the nation to find the best places for remote workers in 2022 (See our methodology). We reviewed key metrics, such as cost of living, housing, internet speed, and employment rates, to identify this exclusive list of the 15 best cities for working from home in the U.S.
- Jacksonville, FL
- Cleveland, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- Las Vegas, NV
- St Louis, MO
- Chattanooga, TN
- Omaha, NE
- Vancouver, WA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Chesapeake, VA
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Tucson, AZ
1. Jacksonville, FL
- Population: 920,570
- Cost of Living: 9% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $173,200
- Median Gross Rent: $1,065
- Median Household Income: $54,701
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
- State Income Tax: No state income tax
One of the best places to live on the East Coast and one of the cheapest cities in Florida, Jacksonville offers sunny year-round weather, incredible beaches, and a flourishing art scene. More importantly, the City on the Move continues to grow economically. Though Jax is best known as a long-standing finance and banking hub in Florida, there’s all kinds of growth among major Jacksonville industries like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. And with remote job opportunities available at Jacksonville companies like Fidelity Information Services, Acosta Sales & Marketing, and CSX Transportation, as well as a number of coworking spaces like LionShare Cowork and Regus throughout the area, it’s easy to see why Jacksonville is one of the best cities for digital nomads seeking affordable living and a great remote environment.
2. Cleveland, OH
- Population: 378,589
- Cost of Living: 16% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $69,600
- Median Gross Rent: $719
- Median Household Income: $30,097
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
- State Income Tax: 16% higher than the national average
Cleveland is one of the best places to live if you work remotely. Not only can you find work-from-home job opportunities and remote work benefits with Cleveland-based companies like KeyBank, Sherwin-Williams, Progressive, and Cleveland Clinic, but there are a number of coworking spaces like Orion Business Center and COHatch available that can be used for off-site work. Of course, it’s not all about work in the Forest City! Cleveland residents can spend time outdoors at Lake Erie, catch games with professional sports teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) and Cleveland Browns (NFL), go ice skating or catch concerts at Cleveland Public Square, or take the kids to see hundreds of exotic animal species at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
HOW MUCH WILL MOVING COST?
3. Pittsburgh, PA
- Population: 299,226
- Cost of Living: 7% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $125,000
- Median Gross Rent: $958
- Median Household Income: $48,711
- Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
- State Income Tax: 24% higher than the national average
Not only is Pittsburgh one of the best cities for young professionals, but it’s also a great place for digital nomads to live and work! The City of Bridges is historically known for its ties to the steel industry, but today it has all kinds of remote work opportunities in fields like health, education, finance, and science. Major local employers like University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, PNC Financial Services, and PPG Industries offer remote work and hybrid office opportunities. Remote workers living in Pittsburgh can even find dedicated coworking spaces like Club Level CoWorking, Spaces, and Revv Oakland throughout the city. And with all kinds of art, culture, and attractions from the Carnegie Museums to local NFL, MLB, and NHL teams, Steel City truly is an incredible place to settle down for anyone who wants affordable living, good jobs, and fun things to do!
4. San Antonio, TX
- Population: 1,567,118
- Cost of Living: 12% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $146,400
- Median Gross Rent: $992
- Median Household Income: $52,455
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
- State Income Tax: No state income tax
If you’re looking for affordable living while working from home in the Lone Star State, then San Antonio may be the city for you! Alamo City is committed to sustaining its major industries like bioscience and healthcare and provides telecommuters with remote work opportunities with everything from small tech companies to Fortune 500 giants like USAA and iHeartMedia. San Antonio also offers residents hybrid work options with coworking spaces like Geekdom, Venture X, and Regus. But this Texas city isn’t just a great place for remote work—it’s also one of the best U.S. cities for veterans and offers top attractions like the San Antonio River Walk, historic Alamo, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and Natural Bridge Caverns.
5. Las Vegas, NV
- Population: 662,368
- Cost of Living: 2% higher than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $258,600
- Median Gross Rent: $1,102
- Median Household Income: $56,354
- Unemployment Rate: 8.2%
- State Income Tax: No state income tax
Work remotely from a city that offers low tax rates, never-ending entertainment along the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street, and warm weather year-round—Las Vegas! Sin City has remote and hybrid job opportunities in the leisure, hospitality, and tech industries with companies like Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, and GitLab. And if you’re looking for a professional setting to telecommute, consider reserving a desk or office at local Las Vegas coworking spaces like Black Fire Innovation, Bottega Exchange, and Work in Progress. Not to mention, if you’re a digital nomad who’s embracing RV living or van life, Las Vegas is an extremely RV-friendly city, providing all kinds of camping spots throughout the city and incredible outdoor recreation at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
6. St Louis, MO
- Population: 297,645
- Cost of Living: 13% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $138,700
- Median Gross Rent: $828
- Median Household Income: $43,896
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
- State Income Tax: 39% lower than the national average
St. Louis is one of the largest cities in the Midwest, and it’s a great place for remote workers who want a slice of big-city life with an affordable price tag! Residents living in the Gateway to the West can find remote job opportunities with major employers like Ascension Health, BJC Healthcare, and Emerson Electric, as well as shared offices and meeting rooms at coworking spaces like Spaces, TechArtista, and T-Rex. But STL isn’t just a good place to settle down for job opportunities and budget-friendly living—it also has all kinds of things to do for both adults and kids! From the historic Gateway Arch and bustling Downtown St. Louis to family-friendly spots like Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo, you’ll never be bored living in St. Louis!
7. Chattanooga, TN
- Population: 184,742
- Cost of Living: 10% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $167,500
- Median Gross Rent: $859
- Median Household Income: $45,527
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- State Income Tax: 59% lower than the national average
It’s no wonder why young professionals, digital nomads, and tech companies alike are flocking to Gig City! Chattanooga is a budding tech hub, and it was the first city in the U.S. to offer every resident Gigabit internet. Some of Chattanooga’s biggest industries include healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology services, with work-from-home opportunities available from top employers like Unum, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and Volkswagen of America. Residents can even take advantage of hybrid offices and meeting rooms with coworking spaces like Society of Work, Regus, and e|spaces. Beyond its remote work options, Chattanooga is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts, as this Tennessee city offers camping, hiking, biking, and waterfront activities along the Tennessee River and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
8. Omaha, NE
- Population: 478,393
- Cost of Living: 9% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $159,700
- Median Gross Rent: $923
- Median Household Income: $60,092
- Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
- State Income Tax: Equal to the national average
Do you want to move somewhere that offers a good work-life balance? Consider living in Omaha, one of the best places to live in the Midwest! Not only does Nebraska’s largest city have a strong economy, but it boasts one of the nation’s best zoos, plays host to the College World Series in the summer, and has all kinds of trendy shops and restaurants within its various business districts, including the popular and historic Old Market. On top of that, Omaha is home to several major employers offering work-from-home and hybrid job opportunities, including Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and First National Bank. And there are plenty of coworking spaces throughout the city, such as Farnam Hill Co-Op and Commerce Village!
9. Vancouver, WA
- Population: 186,192
- Cost of Living: 15% higher than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $286,500
- Median Gross Rent: $1,219
- Median Household Income: $61,714
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
- State Income Tax: No state income tax
If you want to work remotely in the Pacific Northwest but don’t want to pay Portland or Seattle prices, Vancouver is the perfect place for you! Just across the Columbia River from Portland, Vancouver offers affordable living and a large healthcare industry that includes work-from-home opportunities with major employers like PeaceHealth. In addition, Vancouver is serious about its coffee, and you can find tons of local coffee shops like Relevant Coffee and Compass Coffee Roasting—they’re even great spots for doing remote work! And with Vancouver’s mild year-round weather, digital nomads can spend evenings and weekends enjoying outdoor recreation spots like Moulton Falls, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and 90 local parks.
10. Indianapolis, IN
- Population: 887,756
- Cost of Living: 12% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $137,000
- Median Gross Rent: $892
- Median Household Income: $47,873
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- State Income Tax: 31% higher than the national average
Thanks to major employers like Lilly, Anthem, and Indiana University Health that offer remote work and hybrid office jobs, as well as numerous coworking spaces like Industrious and The Haverstick, the city of Indianapolis is one of the best Midwest locations for telecommuters and remote workers. But Indiana’s capital city isn’t just a good spot for job opportunities—it’s also one of the best U.S. cities for families! With high-quality K-12 schools and excellent colleges like Butler University, a booming arts and culture scene, more than 200 local parks, and family-friendly activities at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo, Indy is a great place for families to settle down!
11. Chesapeake, VA
- Population: 247,011
- Cost of Living: 15% higher than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $273,700
- Median Gross Rent: $1,279
- Median Household Income: $78,640
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
- State Income Tax: 19% lower than the national average
With close proximity to Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach, as well as a vast number of local green spaces, including Chesapeake City Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, and Chesapeake Arboretum, there’s a lot to love about living in Chesapeake. In fact, one of the reasons why people move to Chesapeake is for employment opportunities. Major employers like Dollar Tree and Cox Communications offer hybrid work and remote jobs in the area, and there are even more work-from-home options available with employers in nearby Norfolk and Newport News. And if you need a dedicated work space or meeting room while working remotely, coworking spaces like Chesapeake Virtual Offices & Co-Working and Regus have what you need!
12. Grand Rapids, MI
- Population: 200,031
- Cost of Living: 11% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $143,400
- Median Gross Rent: $925
- Median Household Income: $50,103
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
- State Income Tax: 72% higher than the national average
Recognized as one of the most remote-ready cities in the U.S., Grand Rapids is a top place to live while growing your remote work career. Michigan recently invested in a state-wide teleworking initiative to expand broadband internet access and infrastructure for remote work, including professional programs and relocation incentives. Not to mention, the state is already well-known for its world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem! Grand Rapids is booming with remote employment opportunities in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education with major employers like Spectrum Health, Meijer, SpartanNash, and Steelcase. And when residents have unplugged for the day, they can check out Grand Rapids’ unique art scene, enjoy one of the many local beaches, or explore the area’s ever-expanding mountain biking trails.
13. Salt Lake City, UT
- Population: 204,087
- Cost of Living: 7% higher than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $314,500
- Median Gross Rent: $985
- Median Household Income: $60,676
- Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
- State Income Tax: 101% higher than the national average
If you’re searching for a city with work-from-home opportunities and plenty of fun things to do outside of work, look no further than one of the best U.S. cities for jobs and one of the best mid-sized cities in America—Salt Lake City! Utah’s capital has hybrid and remote work options available in major industries like educational services, healthcare, and social assistance. Whether you want to work for Fortune 500 companies like Stryker and Motorola Solutions or pioneer the health industry with Health Catalyst, USANA Health Sciences, or Intermountain Healthcare, it’s not difficult to find the employment options you want here. In addition, SLC is a top destination for real estate, young professionals, and outdoor recreation!
14. Oklahoma City, OK
- Population: 662,314
- Cost of Living: 12% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $158,500
- Median Gross Rent: $871
- Median Household Income: $55,557
- Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
- State Income Tax: 80% lower than the national average
Are you looking for one of the most affordable cities in one of the most affordable states for a remote work opportunity? Oklahoma City may be the place for you! Not only does OKC offer fast internet speeds, but you can also find quality remote work in healthcare technology, digital marketing, and many other industries. Become a trailblazer by working remotely with Dell Technologies or Fortune 500 companies that offer a hybrid work model like Chesapeake Energy. You can also find OKC coworking spaces for yourself or your team at StarSpace46, and Rise Coworking. Besides being a haven for remote workers and digital nomads, Oklahoma City also offers fun things to do with contemporary art museums, a professional basketball team, and family-friendly amusement parks.
15. Tucson, AZ
- Population: 553,571
- Cost of Living: 6% lower than the national average
- Median Home Value Price: $155,300
- Median Gross Rent: $846
- Median Household Income: $43,425
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
- State Income Tax: 5% higher than the national average
If cloudy skies and cold weather get you down, why not make the move to Tucson and work remotely while enjoying more than 350 sunny days per year! Renewable energy, aerospace, and defense are just some of the major industries professionals can explore when searching for remote jobs in Tucson. The Old Pueblo is a prime location for remote work opportunities, thanks to its fast internet speeds, abundance of coworking spaces like Rail Yard and Common Workspace, and top employers like Raytheon Technologies. And since Tucson is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., it’s a great destination for dog lovers to settle down!
***
Methodology
To find the best places to work remotely in 2022, we compiled a list of all U.S. cities with at least one Extra Space Storage self storage facility. Those with a population less than 100,000 were eliminated from our list. Pulling current data from U.S. Census Bureau, AreaVibes, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and BroadbandNow Research, our Data Science Team reviewed the following statistics for each city:
- Cost of Living (City) vs. Cost of Living (National Average)
- Median Home Value
- Median Gross Rent
- Median Household Income
- Unemployment Rate
- Income Tax (State) vs. Income Tax (National Average)
- State Internet Coverage, Price, & Speed
Each statistic was then given a specified weight, with a maximum score of 15 points. Upon calculating these scores, each city was ranked from highest to lowest. Only one city per state was chosen in our top 15 list to provide a more diverse list of cities regionally and nationally.
