Laid Off and Broke? Here's How to Move for Free (or Cheap) in 2025

Depressed Businesswoman

When a Layoff Means You Need a Reset

Losing your job can be emotionally and financially destabilizing. If your city’s cost of living is no longer sustainable, relocation might not just be a choice—it could be your best path forward.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to move with minimal money, leveraging free relocation programs, budget travel hacks, and job market tools to restart without breaking down financially.

1. Regain Control in the First 48 Hours

Before you pack or plan, stabilize your finances and reset your priorities:

• File for unemployment benefits right away

• Pause non-essential subscriptions and auto-payments

• Review your lease or rent and ask your landlord about flexibility

These early steps can give you clarity to decide if staying is possible or if it’s time to move on.

2. Is Relocation the Right Move? Know the Signs

Here are the biggest indicators you should consider moving after a layoff:

• Rent takes up more than 50% of your income or benefits

• The local job market is weak in your industry

• You have support networks in another city

• You're in a high-cost area with limited career options

Use City Shift Finance to compare living costs, job availability, and housing across U.S. cities.

3. Cities That Will Pay You to Move in 2025

Some programs offer relocation grants to attract new residents—perfect if you're broke but mobile:

• Tulsa Remote (OK)****: $10,000 relocation grant + coworking access

• Ascend West Virginia****: $12,000 package + outdoor perks

  Disclaimer: The programs mentioned were active at the time of writing. Availability, eligibility requirements, and funding may change at any time. Please visit each program’s website for the most up-to-date information.

These programs can cover rent, travel, or even moving costs, just for relocating.

4. How to Travel for Cheap (or Free)

Stretch your dollars by cutting moving costs with these low-cost travel strategies:

• Use Megabus, FlixBus, or Greyhound for affordable city-to-city travel

• Find rides via Facebook groups or Craigslist rideshares

• Ship items with Amtrak Express Shipping or Busfreighter

• Look into nonprofit relocation programs for transportation support

5. Affordable (or Free) Temporary Housing Options

Need a place to land when you arrive? Try:

• Staying with family or friends

• Sublets via Facebook housing groups, Craigslist, or Roomster

• Budget options on Airbnb or Hostelworld

• Exchange housing for work on TrustedHousesitters or Workaway

Tip: Some local churches or relocation charities offer short-term housing help.

6. Quick Ways to Make Money After Moving

You don’t need a full-time job to get back on your feet—stack flexible income sources like:

• Gig apps: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Rover, Instacart

• Temp jobs through day labor agencies

• Remote work via Upwork or Fiverr

• Part-time retail or hospitality jobs (often pay weekly)

The key: mix fast-paying work with job search stability.

7. Best Cities to Rebuild After a Layoff

These cities offer low cost of living, growing job markets, and favorable taxes:

• Boise, ID – tech-friendly, no grocery tax

• Fayetteville, AR – affordable housing and business growth

• Des Moines, IA – low rent, great for job seekers

• Knoxville, TN – zero state income tax + incentives

• San Antonio, TX – balance of affordability and culture

Compare your top options with City Shift Finance to find your best match.

8. Survival Mode ≠ Failure: It’s a Strategic Reset

Relocating with no money after a layoff isn't easy, but it’s not the end of your story. This move can give you more control, lower stress, and a better shot at rebuilding faster.

You’re not just starting over. You’re starting smarter.

Plan Your Next Move with City Shift Finance

Before you move, use our tools to:

• Compare cities by real-world living costs

• Understand your take-home pay after taxes and rent

• Avoid common relocation pitfalls that drain savings

Get your free Personalized Relocation Snapshot today at City Shift Finance

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