Portland, Maine has been ranked as the best U.S. city for remote work, with a median household income of $71,000, average monthly rent of $1,400, and homes valued at around $412,000. With 58% of residents holding college degrees, the town of 68,424 is known for its waterfront charm and high quality of life. Factors such as safety, internet infrastructure, and economic incentives for newcomers were considered in the ranking, with Portland being the only U.S. city to make the top 10 list globally.
Other high-ranking U.S. cities for remote work include Honolulu, Hawaii; Des Moines, Iowa; New York, New York; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The CEO of Remote.com, Job van der Voort, attributes Portland’s success to its robust infrastructure, welcoming community, and overall quality of life for remote workers. The city offers comparatively affordable housing options and financial incentives such as a student loan repayment program that can provide up to $2,500 in refundable tax credits per year for eligible residents.
In addition to affordability and economic incentives, Portland is also seeing positive changes in its racial diversity due to a growing immigrant population. This indicates the city’s openness to welcoming new residents and integrating different cultures into its community and economy. Van der Voort emphasizes the importance of cities being “walkable, green and nicely designed for residents,” as these factors contribute to a better quality of life for remote workers who value flexibility and a vibrant environment.
While popular cities like Honolulu and New York rank high for their job markets and cultural impact, under-the-radar cities like Des Moines, Topeka, and Hamilton show promise for remote workers. These cities are pioneering remote-friendly incentive programs, with Hamilton and Topeka offering benefits such as student loan repayment credits and relocation cost coverage. They also score well in terms of quality of life and affordable living costs, making them attractive options for remote workers seeking a desirable work-life balance.
Globally, the top three cities for remote work are Madrid, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; and Toronto, Canada. The rankings highlight the importance of factors such as quality of life, affordability, and incentives for remote workers in determining the best cities for remote work. As remote work continues to become more common, cities that offer a supportive and welcoming environment for remote workers are likely to attract a diverse and skilled workforce looking for a balance between work and lifestyle.
