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Michigan leads the list of the top remote-friendly states, securing an impressive score of 99.1 out of 100.
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Texas outshines all other states with 569 coworking spaces, boosting the remote working community.
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Arizona, which competes with Pennsylvania, has one of the lowest tax rates at $500.
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Maryland offers one of the most affordable average rents at $1,675, making it a top choice for budget-conscious workers.
The Stock Dork conducted an in-depth analysis to identify the most remote-friendly states. The study considered criteria such as monthly cost of living, tax rates, coworking space availability, and rent pricing for residences with at least one bedroom. Based on factors including cost of living, taxes, rent, and the availability of more than 100 coworking spaces, each state was assigned a score out of 100.
| State | Score / 100 |
| Michigan | 99.1 |
| Ohio | 89.8 |
| Texas | 85.1 |
| Pennsylvania | 54.0 |
| Arizona | 54.0 |
| Maryland | 53.0 |
| Tennessee | 51.6 |
| Illinois | 36.3 |
| North Carolina | 33.2 |
| Florida | 26.4 |
The full research summary can be found here.
Michigan leads the list of the top remote-friendly states, securing an impressive score of 99.1. Not only does this state have a competitive cost of living, estimated at $2,700, but it also stands out with affordability. Michigan offers an average rent of $3,155, placing it in a favorable position compared to many other states.
Ohio takes the second spot with a score of 89.8. The number of coworking spaces in Ohio sets it apart from other states. Residents here have the luxury of choosing from 149 coworking spaces, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. Additionally, the state showcases an average rent of $1,725, which is considerably budget-friendly.
Ranking third on the list is Texas, with a score of 85.1. With an astounding 569 coworking spaces, the state provides remote workers with a wide range of options. Regarding living costs, Texas presents an average rent of $2,610, which is competitive against other states.
Arizona, sharing the fourth spot with Pennsylvania, presents a score of 54. What sets Arizona apart, even from its shared position with Pennsylvania, is its competitive tax rate of $500, offering potential residents a financial advantage when considering long-term residency.
Maryland earns its sixth place ranking with a score of 53. While it is positioned after Arizona, it stands out in the housing sector. With an average rent of $1,675, Maryland emerges as one of the more affordable states for housing.
Tennessee, with a score of 51.6, is ranked seventh on the list of the top remote-friendly states. It may not have the same affordable rent as Maryland, but its overall cost of living is remarkable at $3,500. This balance of affordability makes Tennessee a worthy consideration for remote workers.
Illinois stands at the eighth position, scoring 36.3. The large number of coworking spaces in Illinois makes it appealing to many remote workers. The state guarantees that professionals have a wealth of alternatives to select from, boosting the remote working experience by making 216 places available.
North Carolina holds the ninth position with a score of 33.2. Despite its position, it offers a relatively competitive average rent of $2,105, making it an attractive option for many. In terms of affordability, this makes North Carolina stand out, especially compared to some higher-ranking states.
Closing the list of the top remote-friendly states is Florida, with a score of 26.4. Despite being last on the list, it offers 433 coworking spaces, guaranteeing that remote employees have plenty of possibilities, making it an option despite its position.
Methodology
All 50 U.S. states were included in this study. Four primary factors were considered to calculate the state’s suitability for remote work:
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Monthly Cost of Living: An average monthly expenses excluding rent.
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Tax Rates: Average annual state tax rates.
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Coworking Spaces: Total number of coworking spaces available in the state.
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Rent Prices: Average rent for homes with a minimum of one bedroom.
While all factors were crucial in selecting a state’s rank, a certain focus was placed on the monthly cost of living, taxes, and rent prices, as these are often the primary financial considerations for remote workers. States with more than 100 coworking spaces received additional consideration to ensure a balance between affordability and the availability of professional working environments.