2 min read
For many first-time buyers, one of the biggest challenges of buying a home is determining what fits comfortably within their budget. While income is an important part of that equation, where you live can also have a significant impact on your overall cost of living.
For those who work remotely, there may be more flexibility when choosing where to live. Without a daily commute to a specific office, some buyers may be able to consider communities outside of higher-cost employment centers.
Where You Work Doesn’t Have to Dictate Where You Live
Remote work opportunities continue to be part of the employment landscape. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings increased 22% from the previous quarter, marking a second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.
For some workers, that flexibility may make it possible to consider a wider range of communities when searching for a home.
As Forbes has noted, remote workers may have the ability to choose a home base based on factors such as space, cost of living, access to nature, and lifestyle preferences.
“Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new."
That can mean looking beyond the communities traditionally associated with a particular job market and exploring areas where housing and other living expenses may differ.
Your Income Can Go Further in Some Areas
The cost of living varies significantly from one state and community to another. Housing, groceries, utilities, transportation and other everyday expenses can all affect how far a household's income goes.
Source: Extra Space, Most Affordable States to Live In, August 2026
According to data from Extra Space, some states have costs of living below the national average. For example, Mississippi's cost of living is reported to be about 17% below the national average, while West Virginia is roughly 15% below.
"Remote work has fundamentally changed the calculus of where to live. When your employer is in San Francisco, but you can work from anywhere, the question is no longer 'where are the jobs' but 'where does my salary go furthest and what kind of life can I build.'"
Differences like these may be worth considering when evaluating where to purchase a home.
For a first-time buyer who can work remotely, expanding the geographic search could provide additional communities to consider. However, affordability isn't just about the purchase price of a home. Taxes, insurance, utilities, commuting costs and other expenses are also important parts of the overall picture.
What To Consider Before Making a Move
A lower cost of living can be one factor when evaluating a new community, but there are other considerations that can be just as important.
Ask yourself:
- Is the internet service reliable enough for your work?
- Does the community offer the amenities and services you use regularly?
- What are the property taxes and insurance costs?
- How far would you be from family, friends or other important connections?
- Would the area fit the lifestyle you want?
- How would a move affect your overall monthly budget?
A local real estate professional can also help you compare different communities and identify neighborhoods that align with your budget and priorities.
Bottom Line
Remote work may give some buyers more flexibility when deciding where to live. If you're not tied to a specific office location, expanding your home search could introduce you to communities you may not have considered before.
If you're thinking about buying a home, connect with a First Federal Bank Loan Officer to discuss your goals and explore your financing options.