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remote work
Not every great remote work city in the USA has a sky-high price tag. Contrary to popular belief, San Francisco and New York are not alone when it comes to attracting remote workers, though, as the thrall of their high costs reflects, they’re certainly in the spotlight. These are the locations that will have gigabit internet, lower rent rates, and a surprisingly rich lifestyle — and at a much reduced price. These three cities in the USA should not be overlooked if you want the best remote workplace while not overspending your hard-earned money!
Quick Facts
| City | Internet Speed | 1-Bed Rent | The Cost of Living index is 108.3% of the National Avg. |
| Chattanooga, TN | Up to 10 Gbps | ~$1,275/mo | ~9% below |
| Tulsa, OK | Up to 1 Gbps | ~$870/mo | ~14% below |
| Fairlawn, OH | Up to 10 Gbps | Below national norm | ~10% below |
1. Chattanooga, Tennessee — The Original Gig City
The nickname “Gig City” has been chosen for a reason. It was one of the first cities in the US to roll out a city-wide fibre optic network (10-gigabit) infrastructure — which is one of the areas that most tech hubs are still trying to catch up on.
Internet: This is the standard speed offered by the Internet; up to 10 Gbps is available; median rent for 1 bedroom is approximately $1275 per month; cost of living is about 9% lower than the national average.
Outside of broadband, Chattanooga doesn’t disappoint when it comes to lifestyle. It’s located between Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River; it’s home to a rapidly growing tech community, walkable neighbourhoods, and the opportunity for world-class hiking and outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for the best place to work remotely with low cost and connection in the USA, then it’s obvious that Chattanooga is the first place that springs to mind.
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma — They’ll Actually Pay You to Move Here
One of those places in the U.S. that one finds in the far corners of the country and never wants to leave is Tulsa. The city’s tech industry is booming, its food culture is more vibrant than the arts, and there’s a real cash grant program to relocate, OK, Tulsa Remote, for those who work remotely and qualify.
Internet: Up to 1 Gbps (median of approximately 250 Mbps). Rent: Median 1 bedroom is about $870/month, which is one of the lowest in any major US city. COl: About 14% lower than the national average.
As serious investors have poured into the Tulsa downtown area, businesses have been revitalised, the Arts District has come alive, world-class museums have been built, and the beautiful Gathering Place park has been created. If having a low-cost-of-living remote work spot is a key consideration, then Tulsa is nearly unbeatable.
3. Fairlawn, OH
Fairlawn is a place that most people haven’t heard of. It’s the reason that it’s considered one of the greatest hidden spots for remote workers across the nation. The city of Fairlawn has its own municipal broadband utility, called FairlawnGig, that offers some of the fastest speeds in a small suburb in Ohio.
Internet: Up to 10 Gbps on the internet, median home values and rents are significantly lower than the national average, and the cost of living is around 10% below the national average.
It’s quiet and very safe, and is adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and is also close enough to Cleveland’s cultural offerings when a city break is warranted. With its high-quality internet connectivity and minimal city noise and expenses, Fairlawn is a hidden gem for digital nomads on a budget.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Affordable Remote Work Cities USA
| Chattanooga | Tulsa | Fairlawn | |
| Best for | Outdoor enthusiasts and techies. | Budget maximizers | Ultra-quiet focus + nature |
| Internet | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Rent (1-bed) | ~$1,275/mo | ~$870/mo | Below national norm |
| Cost of living | 9% below avg | 14% below avg | 10% below avg |
| Unique perk | Mountain + river access | Paid relocation grants | Municipal gigabit broadband |
| Nearest major city | Atlanta / Nashville | Oklahoma City | Cleveland |
FAQs
Do these cities really offer a good networking and co-working environment?
Yes — all three offer expanding spaces for co-workers and active communities of remote workers. Tulsa has been heavily focused on community infrastructure to support remote professionals in particular with its relocation program.
Are you still looking for a job at Tulsa Remote?
There have been several cohorts of the program; please visit the official Tulsa Remote website for the next application periods and eligibility.
Is it essential to have a house to obtain inexpensive broadband in Fairlawn?
No — renters can use FairlawnGig as well! Ensure availability by address on their official website.
If the internet connection is most important, which city is the best?
Chattanooga and Fairlawn are among the fastest-connected remote work towns in the USA, with up to a 10 Gbps connection.
Key Takeaways
- Chattanooga was a trailblazer for gigabit Internet service and has an outdoor lifestyle and expanding tech industry.
- Tulsa is where rents are cheapest on this list, and even offers to “pay you to move” for remote workers!
- The under-the-radar selection: Fairlawn offers 10 Gbps broadband, low prices and no urban noise.
- The three are all prime examples of places where people in the USA look at, rather than the high-cost metros.
- The top cities in the USA for remote workers aren’t necessarily the most well-known — sometimes it’s the not-so-revealed ones.
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