Know every cost before you move for a new job
What salary do you need in a new city to maintain the same standard of living?
What to ask for and how to ask for it.
Customize this template with your details and send to your hiring manager or recruiter.
Timing: Bring up relocation after you have the offer in hand, not before. Frame it as a logistics question, not a demand: "I am excited about the role. To make the move work, I would like to discuss relocation support."
Lump Sum vs Managed: A lump sum ($5-15k) gives you flexibility but you manage everything. A managed relocation (company hires movers, finds housing) costs the company more but is less hassle for you. Lump sum is more common and often preferred.
Tax Gross-Up: Relocation benefits are taxable income. Ask for a tax gross-up, meaning the company covers the tax on the relocation benefit. A $10,000 lump sum without gross-up nets you only ~$6,500 after tax.
Clawback Clause: Most relocation packages require you to repay some or all if you leave within 1-2 years. Negotiate for a shorter clawback or declining scale (100% repay if <6 months, 50% if 6-12 months, 0% after 12 months).
If They Say No: Ask for a signing bonus instead, framed as "to help offset relocation costs." This is often easier for companies to approve and achieves the same result.
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