Tulsa Remote Program: Everything You Need to Know
The Tulsa Remote program pays you $10,000 to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma. It sounds too good to be true, but it is real, it is legitimate, and thousands of people have done it since the program launched in 2018. Here is everything you need to know about applying, qualifying, and making the most of it.
Program Snapshot
- Grant: $10,000 distributed over your first year
- Includes: coworking space at 36 Degrees North
- Eligibility: full-time remote worker, not already in Tulsa
- Retention rate: 95% stay after the program ends
What Is Tulsa Remote?
Tulsa Remote is an initiative by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), one of Oklahoma's largest philanthropic organizations. The goal is simple: attract talented remote workers to Tulsa to grow the city's economy, diversify its workforce, and strengthen its communities. You get $10,000 distributed over your first year of living in Tulsa, plus access to coworking space and a built-in social community.
Who Is Eligible?
You must be at least 18 years old, authorized to work in the United States, and currently employed full-time with a company based outside of Oklahoma (or self-employed with clients/revenue from outside Oklahoma). You cannot already live in the Tulsa metro area. The program is open to all industries and roles as long as your work is fully remote.
How the Money Works
The $10,000 is not a lump sum. You receive it in installments over your first year. The typical structure is a portion upfront (around $2,500) to help with moving costs, followed by monthly or quarterly payments. You are expected to relocate to Tulsa within a few months of acceptance and maintain residency for at least one year.
What Else You Get
Beyond the cash, Tulsa Remote provides free coworking space at 36 Degrees North, Tulsa's main coworking hub. This is where a lot of the community happens. There are regular events, networking meetups, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings organized specifically for Tulsa Remote members. Many participants say the community is more valuable than the money.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Tulsa Remote website. The process includes a written application, a video interview, and a background check. Acceptance is competitive. They receive thousands of applications and accept a few hundred each cycle. Strong applicants typically have stable remote employment, a genuine interest in community involvement, and clear reasons for wanting to live in Tulsa beyond the money.
What Participants Actually Say
We talked to a dozen Tulsa Remote participants for this guide. The consistent themes: the community is genuine, the cost of living savings are even bigger than expected, and most people were surprised by how much they liked Tulsa. The most common complaint is that some participants expected a bigger city and needed time to adjust to Tulsa's pace. The retention rate speaks for itself: roughly 95% of participants stay in Tulsa after the program ends.
Is It Worth It?
If you are already considering a move away from a high-cost city and you work remotely, Tulsa Remote is essentially free money on top of a decision you were going to make anyway. The $10,000 covers most moving expenses, and the cost of living savings in year one alone will likely exceed another $10,000 to $20,000 depending on where you are coming from. The coworking space and community are bonuses that make the transition significantly easier.