These Are the Top 5 States for Remote Work: How Much Does It Cost To Live There?
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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A recent report from WalletHub revealed that 13% of full-time employees work entirely remotely, while another 26% hold a hybrid schedule, balancing time between working from home and the employer’s headquarters.
The report also ranked the states from best to worst in terms of working from home, based on work environment –including the share of employees working from home, the potential for people to work remotely and broadband internet access — and living environment — electricity costs, internet costs and housing size.
These are the top five states for remote work and the cost of living expenses that you’ll want to know about.
Delaware
- Average salary: $67,638
- Average home price: $389,974
- Total cost of living for a single person: $2,336
- Total cost of living for a family of four: $5,321
The report listed Delaware at the top of the list because over 13% of the workforce currently works remotely, and about 97% have the potential to do so. The research also found that the state has the third-cheapest internet in the country and that 97% of those with access have speeds exceeding 25 Mbps, enabling faster connections.
The state also ranks fifth in the country for highest average home square footage at 2,277 square feet, so you’ll have plenty of space to set up your home office and feel comfortable.
Utah
- Average salary: $61,905
- Average home price: $530,787
- Total cost of living for a single person: $2,043
- Total cost of living for a family of four: $4,640
Utah ranks second because it has the lowest electricity prices across the country, and it comes in fourth for the highest percentage of homes with broadband internet. Utah also has the biggest homes, with an average size of 2,800 square feet, making it more comfortable to be at home all day if you’re living with multiple people.
With 16% of the population currently working remotely and a predicted 95% being able to perform their jobs from home one day, it makes sense why this state ranks so high.
Maryland
- Average salary: $61,849
- Average home price: $425,692
- Total cost of living for a single person: $2,458
- Total cost of living for a family of four: $5,830
Maryland cracked the top three because the average home size exceeds 2,200 square feet, and it offers some of the most affordable internet prices. With 17% of the workforce currently working from home and with 96% having the potential to do so, this is an ideal state for someone seeking remote opportunities.
New Jersey
- Average salary: $59,022
- Average home price: $548,338
- Total cost of living for a single person: $2,711
- Total cost of living for a family of four: $6,392
New Jersey made it in the top five because 15% of employees were working from home, and the houses had a median of 672 square feet per person. The research also cited that New Jersey had the second-lowest internet cost in the country, which is ideal when you’re connected all day, since expenses can add up.
Connecticut
- Average salary: $66,045
- Average home price: $414,183
- Total cost of living for a single person: $2,521
- Total cost of living for a family of four: $6,092
According to CT Insider, over 14% of employees over the age of 16 were working from home in Connecticut in 2023. The state brought in over 20,500 remote employees in 2022, likely because it offers the second-highest rate of internet access, a strong economy and a comfortable living situation.
Honorable Mention: Washington, DC
- Average salary: $76,841
- Average home price: $605,881
- Total cost of living for a single person: $3,140
- Total cost of living for a family of four: $7,841
While D.C. isn’t a state, the report noted that it has the highest percentage of its population working from home and ranked third in households with internet access.
Editor’s note: Average salary data was sourced from ZipRecruiter. Average home prices were sourced from Zillow. Cost of living data was sourced from LivingCost.org. Data is accurate as of April 25, 2025.
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Sources
- WalletHub, “Best States for Working from Home (2025).”
- CT Insider, “CT used to lead the region in remote work. Then Mass. and New Jersey outpaced it in work-from-home growth.”
