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Key Takeaways
- New York tops the list as the best state for hybrid work, offering a high percentage of positions with hybrid options and fast internet speeds, though with a higher income tax rate
- Iowa emerges as a strong contender due to its low commute time, affordable living, and an abundance of coworking spaces, while Illinois is third with its robust internet speed and hybrid job availability
- Wisconsin ranks at the bottom of the list, making it not an ideal state for hybrid workers
As hybrid work continues to take over, more and more people are enjoying the freedom it brings, whether it’s working from home to juggle family life, recharge, or just escape the office hustle. And when it’s time to collaborate face-to-face or get that productivity boost, heading into the office is still an option. Some states have truly nailed the balance. That’s why RemotePeople conducted a study to find the best U.S. states for hybrid workers, and New York claimed the top spot.
The study looked at a variety of factors like hybrid work opportunities, cost of living, coworking spaces, and more to determine where hybrid workers can truly thrive.
1
New York
New York ranks as the top state for hybrid work, boasting 13.11% of jobs offering hybrid options, the highest among all states. It also benefits from fast internet speeds at 175.38 Mbps, ensuring smooth remote work experiences. However, professionals should be mindful of the state’s high income tax rate of 10.90% and a longer-than-average commute time of 33.2 minutes.
2
Iowa
Iowa secures second place, thanks to its low commute time of just 19.6 minutes and an affordable cost of living index of 102.6. It also provides an impressive 1.93 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents, making it a practical choice for hybrid workers seeking budget-friendly options with sufficient professional networking spaces.
3
Illinois
Illinois claims third place, with 5.75% of job listings supporting hybrid work. The state’s internet speed of 198.06 Mbps is one of the fastest, ensuring a seamless virtual work experience. Despite a relatively high cost of living at 114.7, Illinois remains a top destination for remote professionals due to its strong infrastructure.
4
Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a high percentage of hybrid jobs at 7.69%, complemented by an internet speed of 170.65 Mbps. However, its cost of living index of 90.3 and commute time of 29.4 minutes slightly impact its ranking. Professionals drawn to the state’s thriving economy may find it a rewarding place for hybrid work.
5
Arkansas
Arkansas makes the list with its standout availability of coworking spaces, offering 2.20 per 100,000 residents, the highest in the top 10. Although only 1.41% of job positions are hybrid, the state boasts an affordable cost of living index of 101.3 and a moderate commute time of 22.2 minutes.
6
Alaska
Alaska earns a high ranking with its zero income tax and cost of living index of 94.8, making it an attractive state for remote workers. Its internet speed of 168.71 Mbps ensures connectivity, while the short commute time of 19.3 minutes provides additional convenience for hybrid professionals.
7
Delaware
Delaware shines with the fastest internet speed in the top 10, reaching 203.92 Mbps. While its hybrid job availability is 3.65%, the state’s moderate cost of living index of 100.5 and manageable commute time of 25.9 minutes make it a solid option for those seeking a balance between affordability and connectivity.
8
Connecticut
Connecticut offers a reasonable 4.82% of hybrid job opportunities and a strong internet speed of 185.24 Mbps. Though its cost of living index is slightly higher at 102.4, the state remains a favorable choice for professionals seeking stable infrastructure and job availability.
9
Idaho
Idaho is another strong contender with a high cost of living index of 115.8 but makes up for it with 2.13 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents, making it one of the best states for remote professionals who rely on shared workspaces. A commute time of 21.4 minutes adds to its appeal.
10
Michigan
Michigan rounds out the top 10 with a solid 6.01% of hybrid jobs available and an internet speed of 173.33 Mbps. Its cost of living index of 105.2 is manageable, and with a commute time of 24.5 minutes, professionals looking for a balance of affordability and hybrid work opportunities will find it a great option.
Complete Ranking of the Best States for Hybrid Work
METHODOLOGY: The study ranked the best U.S. states for hybrid workers by analyzing six key factors: hybrid job availability, internet speed, cost of living, coworking spaces, income tax, and commute time.
Each factor was indexed from 0 to 100, with higher values being more favorable. Then, weights were applied based on importance: hybrid job availability (30%), internet speed (20%), cost of living (15%), coworking spaces (15%), income tax (10%), and commute time (10%).
The final score reflects the weighted total of these factors, with states ranked from best to worst.
SOURCE: Glassdoor, MERIC, US Census Bureau, High Internet Speed, Tax Foundation, Coworker
Author: Susan Snipes
Susan is an experienced, certified HR and compliance professional who provides HR and compliance strategies to companies with global and US-based teams.