For most first time buyers, the toughest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and somehow, that finish line can still feel out of reach.

But your salary is only part of the picture. Where you live can make just as big a difference in what you can afford. And if you can work remotely, you may have an advantage that many other buyers don’t.

You’re not tied to living where the jobs are, which means you can look for places where your money goes further.

Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live

Remote job opportunities are growing. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings increased 22% from the previous quarter, marking the second straight quarter of double digit growth.

With more remote jobs available, more people can choose where they want to live based on the lifestyle they want to build. As Forbes puts it:

““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.”
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— Forbes

And you can take that chance to look in a more affordable area.

Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States

Your cost of living, including housing, groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses, can vary a lot depending on where you live. According to data from Extra Space, some states are well below the national average, which could make your homebuying budget stretch further. (See map below.)

Take Mississippi, for example. Its cost of living is about 17% below the national average, while West Virginia is around 15% lower. When everyday expenses cost less, you may have more room in your budget to work toward goals like buying a home. Relocate Right describes it this way:

““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.’”
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— Relocate Right

For a first time buyer, working remotely could be the opportunity to finally put down roots and buy a home. With that flexibility, you can choose where you want to live and find a place that fits both your lifestyle and your goals.

What To Weigh Before You Go

A lower cost of living is a great place to start. But you also want to think about the things a budget spreadsheet can’t show. A place might look perfect on paper and still not feel like home.

• Is the internet reliable enough for you to work without interruptions?

• Will it be easy to meet people, make friends, and settle into a routine?

• Does the area have the amenities you want, like public transportation and good takeout options?

This is where a local real estate agent can really help. They can help you compare a big move with options closer to home, because every state has more affordable areas. Sometimes, they’re closer than you think.

A local agent can help you find neighborhoods that fit your budget and have the features you’re looking for, whether that’s walkability, great restaurants, parks, or a nearby farmers market.