Hi!

Anonymous

March 27,2023 at 7:20PM UTC

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Hi! I currently work mostly remote (I drive 1 hr 15 mins to my closest office on occasion) and am considering moving to nyc for 1 year on my own accord. Is it reasonable to ask for a salary adjustment based on the higher cost of living? Of course I wouldn’t expect them to say yes, but I’m wondering if it’s totally unreasonable to even ask. My company does have an office in nyc and I would plan on going into that office on occasion if/when I move there. Also, I’ve done the research and the pay for my exact position at similar companies in nyc is about $10k-$30k higher than what I currently make.

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AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 7:41PM UTC
Interesting question. I would ask anyway just to see what they say
AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 7:46PM UTC
Yes, on your own accord, should be on your dime.
AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 8:39PM UTC
You are moving there without being asked to move there? No, you don't ask for a salary adjustment. At the start of COVID, the company I worked for had people there that left the area without even telling us (we were all remote) because it was just so expensive even with a NYC salary.
Barb HansenMarch 27,2023 at 9:30PM UTC
If you can build a case that you would be more effective based in New York, then you could make the case that you moving to the city (on your own accord) is valuable to your company.
You may be closer to clients. You may be able to open new market. Only you know. I don't know what job you do, so I'm just making things up that might work for you.
AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 10:42PM UTC
If they have salary adjusted for location for remote employees. Definitely ask casually to someone in HR...maybe hypothetically or just say you read about this or that and see if they do it and then formally send a request or inform your boss a few months before the move, when you have fully made up your mind.
AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 10:52PM UTC
I would think that if you are a top performer that the company would hate to lose, they will do whatever they could to keep you happily engaged.
Key employees are extremely valuable and companies will definitely make concessions to keep these people at their company.
AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 12:05PM UTC
company needs to be fair and consistent, I would think it would be a great experience. I'm not sure asking them to subsidize the experience is fair.
Shelly EdwardsMarch 28,2023 at 12:33PM UTC
You can always ask and make these arguments but I would expect the company to say no. They are not asking you to move, you are choosing to move. If they requested you to move and join the NYC team, then they would certainly owe you the increased salary but they have not planned for it or likely budgeted for it, therefore they would be within the right to deny your salary increase. Also, have you spoken to the company about your ability to work from the NYC office on occasion? You should not just assume they will allow that either. They likely have plans and budgets for who works out of what office based on headcounts and salary estimates, which also affect business insurance rates. Before you make the move, I would definitely sit down with your supervisors to make sure they would allow this transition. Your career and life trajectory may or may not meet their business needs. It’s great that you want to do this, but have those conversations first.
AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 1:30PM UTC
If you build a business case and it makes sense to move to NYC then yes, but seeing as it's something you want to do own your own, I don't know, also keep in mind that moving has other implications for the company tax-wise, depending on the state. So they might not be super keen on that.
AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 6:41PM UTC
I currently live in nys so that should be fine :)
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:31PM UTC
Not necessarily. New York City has an additional income tax on residents of 2-3%, and the tax rate will be different for your employer as well not to mention your employer's budgeting. Other posters are correct: unless you can make a convincing business case for your employer to employ you in the New York City office, there is no reason for your employer to pay you more because you want to live in a more expensive tax jurisdiction. I live and work in New York City; companies are doing everything they can to move positions out of this expensive location unless there is a strong business reason the role needs to be located here. Even if you are a high performer in your current location, you need to justify why you will be a more valuable employee -- at a margin over the additional expense to them or at a greater loss to them because you will leave -- when employed by the NYC office.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:05PM UTC
Would you give up the increase after your time in NY is up?
if there’s a business need and you are a high performer you may have a shot, but not very likely.
Susan Heidi WolmanMarch 29,2023 at 12:18PM UTC
I would approach hr by saying that you are looking to move to NYC for family or personal reasons. can they transfer you to the NYCoffice? Remember not only are the salaries higher,taxes are different too. As are rents. If your home office stays where it is but you live elsewhere I believe you may be taxed in both places (If you live in NYC and work in NJ that is the case). This is more than just a cola. You may wind up with significantly less in your pocket.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:33PM UTC
I worked in NYC and lived in NJ . You actually are taxed both places but you get them back when u file . It's not as horrible as it sounds .
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:50PM UTC
Congress passed a law back in 2015 that forbids double taxation so, no, both states cannot collect income tax on the same income. You will have to file multiple state returns and claim the income tax paid to whichever state you listed on your W4 on the other state return(s), though, which can be a pain. I earned all my income from NY in 2022 but lived part of the year in Connecticut and the other part in Rhode Island. I claimed non-resident status in NY and paid all income tax there. I claimed part-time residence in both CT and RI and listed income tax paid in NY as a credit for the time periods I lived in each state. That amount was deducted from each state's estimation of income taxes I owed them. You do have to pay any other income from investments, interest, etc, in the state where you resided. It can be a paperwork headache, no doubt, but you cannot be taxed twice on the same income.
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMarch 29,2023 at 12:24PM UTC
I think the way to approach this is to ask to transfer to the NYC branch and receive the commensurate salary adjustment for cost of living-- I'm imagining there are personnel budgets involved and your office probably doesn't have the budget line for this. If the NYC office can add a person, they'd be more equipped to pay an NYC salary.
Generally, since it's your choice, I wouldn't expect an employer to grant this. Personally, I wouldn't be impressed if I hired someone to work in one state, and they came to me one day and said "Hey, I want to move to New York now. Can you pay me more?" As a manager, I'd be a bit incredulous. So, yes, you can try, but I wouldn't get my hopes up unless there's precedent.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:32PM UTC
NYC is expensive AF. I would put the work in to make a solid case to be transferred to the New York office, and therefore have an official salary increase. Otherwise, you might be miserable paying $19 for a salad!
CoastalFunders.comMarch 29,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
Yes, it is reasonable to ask for a salary adjustment based on the higher cost of living. If your salary has not kept up with the cost of living, your purchasing power has decreased. This means that you are able to buy fewer goods and services with the same amount of money.
There are a few things to keep in mind when asking for a salary adjustment:
(1) Do your research. Find out what the cost of living is in your area and how much your salary should be.
(2) Time your request well. Don't ask for a raise during a time when your company is struggling financially.
(3) Be prepared to negotiate. Your employer may not be able to give you the full amount you are asking for, but they may be willing to meet you halfway.
If you are successful in getting a salary adjustment, be sure to thank your employer for their consideration.
Jocelyn LyonsMarch 29,2023 at 12:46PM UTC
I agree with the commenter below - you could certainly make these arguments, but I think because you are choosing to move (vs the company asking you to), you may not be as well positioned to get what you are asking for. Good luck!
D.Elizabeth NathanielMarch 29,2023 at 12:50PM UTC
Yes it is justifiable. NYC stay is more expensive. The city compensatory allowance is to be added , plus rental accommodation is to be hired by company on lease basis or rental difference is to be provided in the same way agreement and understanding with near by schools is also to be made by the HR of the company/ industry for better performance of its employees & for tomorrow's better citizens . The child care centres are to be established near by the gate of the offices , if the employer is not providing the necessary maternity and Paternity leave . These minimum facilities are required for a good employer , if anticipated the fast company growth.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:58PM UTC
This is your choice. Do not expect the company to comply!
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:11PM UTC
No
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:12PM UTC
I would doubt it unless they asked you to transfer them they would need to up your pay, but hey it never hurts to inquire
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:13PM UTC
I agree, the company should compensate you for the higher cost of living. The company I work for adjusts our salary based on the cost of living where we live and the location of the closest office. A colleague of mine moved to Kansas to care for her elderly mother and the company reduced her salary based on the cost of living being less there.
sjones9392March 29,2023 at 1:16PM UTC
This is ballsy. You can ask, but personally, I wouldn't. They hired you at your location and salary for a reason. You absolutely could request a transfer to NYC office, but I would frame it as that and only that. You have a need to move, want to stay with the company, and hope to transfer. If allowed, then I'd bring up the money. You're likely to get a new job entirely in NYC at the higher rate though-explore both paths. Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:24PM UTC
From an employer's perspective, this is pretty ballsy and ridiculous.
The company is not asking you to move, this would be purely your decision. Why should the company have to pay you more because you fancy living in the Big Apple for a year, especially if you work remote anyway and only go to the office "on occasion"??
It sounds like you expect (or at least, would like) the company to give you a $10-$30k allowance to enjoy the big city life.
Based on the limited information, that would be a no for me.
Dcre1977March 29,2023 at 1:39PM UTC
You could ask, but why wouldn't they find someone in a low cost of living area to do your job instead? Is you experience that unique?
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:40PM UTC
Your lifestyle choices are your decisions, not your employer's... so why do you expect your employer to be responsible for them (your lifestyle choices)?
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 2:07PM UTC
Idk it seems like the majority of the comments here are negative and discouraging ☹️
I don’t see why you can’t ask. You’d be surprised, your company may grant you this request especially since they have a NYC office. I would first ask how yourself, how long have you been employed with this company and how much value you bring to the organization. MUST BRING DATA AND NUMBERS!! Don’t come to this meeting and just ask to be transferred. Do your research. Maybe there is a shortage and a need for your role in the NYC office. People transfer internally within companies all of the time. See what your company policy is around transferring to a different office in another city. And as far as pay, they know the cost of living is high and I’m sure that will also be discussed and adjusted.
Go for it! I think it’s awesome and exciting ? Just do your research and pick an appropriate time to have this discussion with your manager. People transfer within companies to new cities all of the time! It should be encouraged. Hope it all works out for you :)
TiffanyMarch 29,2023 at 2:19PM UTC
I don’t see why not ask. If you’ve been an employee for a reasonable amount time and have been performing well at your position..go for it. The worse they can say is “no” but you’ll still have your job. They may say no because they didn’t offer you the move. You’re moving under your own recognizance so that’s under your finances (unfortunately). Be prepared if they do give you more money, you may receive more responsibility. Other than that, go for it. It shows loyalty to the company.
Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMarch 29,2023 at 2:37PM UTC
Why not ask for a transfer? If they have pay transparency (as the law requires in NY) you may be able to apply for your job at the NYC location and see if you get it.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 3:15PM UTC
Not if you're the one who chose to move. If they asked you to move or if you can prove why you moving there is value add for your company and department, that'd be different. If you want to get NYC pay then you will probably have to look for a new job in NYC.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 3:20PM UTC
You should not be afraid to ask questions like this. If they pay by geography, then asking to move to the NYC office/pay is simply asking a career advancement question. Any good manager or HR leader will answer professionally & not be put off.
If they say no, then that's up to you what you do next. If moving around like this is something you are super interested in, then long term it might be worth looking for a remote-first company that pays everyone based on San Francisco/NYC pay scale.
leah rileyMarch 29,2023 at 3:34PM UTC
I think it doesn’t hurt to ask the question but since it’s upon your own accord they might use that against you and say that’s ur decision why should they have to pay for it. If they’re open to it all the better. If not, I’d start looking for a job out there with the bump you need and then make the move. It seems like in today’s day and age I am always hearing that job hopping is how you get the raise you deserve and I am beginning to agree.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 3:40PM UTC
This is a ridiculous request, especially since it sounds like you're only planning to live in the city for a year. If you want to move there and get more money, you can request a transfer to the NYC office, which could result in a pay increase based on your company's pay bands for that area; this means you'd also have to request a transfer to another office in a year when you want to leave, and it's unlikely they'll approve 2 transfers in a 1 year period.
Patricia Lehr BayneMarch 29,2023 at 3:51PM UTC
Your company is not asking you to move. You are choosing to move to a new location. If you moved to a less expensive place of your own accord would you ask them to decrease your pay? Probably not, so no reason they should pay you more for a personal decision you are making.
Ruth RobbinsMarch 29,2023 at 4:04PM UTC
I think yes...negotiate that possibility. Also ask 'them' how they prefer you to work. Perhaps as you are now, working mostly remote, syncs with their needs. If you see that somehow you're missing out on activity and cameraderie that a NYC office affords, be sure to share that also with your powers that be.
surfnwriteMarch 29,2023 at 4:14PM UTC
If it's your choice to move, it doesn't seem reasonable to ask them to absorb the higher costs.
Jennifer WuolletMarch 29,2023 at 4:40PM UTC
Not if you just decide to make a move, and move. However if you work it though the company so that they want to "transfer" you to that office then you may have a leg to stand on. Just deciding on your own may not work out in your favor, especially if they are expecting you to come to your current office and instead you are now going to the NYC office or the NYC office may not want you, have space for you, etc. I would talk with your employer about it and tell them that your plans, see if that is even a viable option and if so then you can ask about a pay adjustment.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 5:01PM UTC
Definitely not. If you move for your own personal reasons just do it. The company bears zero responsibility for your lifestyle and they hired you in place where you are now. If that doesn't work for you find a NY based job and go there instead.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 6:14PM UTC
Outside of the location-related salary increase request (which likely will not happen) .. can you look into a temporary house/apartment swap or a pied-a-terre situation that would allow you to spend a chunk of time in the city without the housing cost overhead? I saw you mentioned under another comment that you are currently in NYS. If your current area is desirable enough you may attract someone who wants to get out of the city for a while but not give up their apartment and would be willing to swap places for a time. There are professional sites that manage these types of arrangements.
Otherwise, you could 1) try for an official relocation to the NYC office and inquire about available salary adjustments, 2) ask for a COLA or merit salary increase not related to moving, or 3) apply for better paying jobs in NYC then move after landing one.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 6:25PM UTC
BTW - there's a really great resource for temporary housing called the Listings Project. It started for creatives in NYC to find work/live spaces but it has evolved and has many options for sublets. You may find something that fits your needs there. You have to sign up with an email or just go through their Instagram to get at the listings. Best of luck!
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 6:15PM UTC
Thank you to everyone who gave helpful responses! And to everyone who responded rudely, try being a little kinder.
I should have clarified that I do live in NYS already, so I would not be moving to a different state. And as I stated, I would never *expect* them to say yes, I was simply asking if it was reasonable to ask.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 6:40PM UTC
Actually, most companies do pay according to geographical locations. NYC/LA employees are higher paid than say Omaha or SLC. I'd move and see if they offer. If they don't, bring it up at review time and try to roll it into a performance increase if they would do it that way. Good Luck to you.
Farah BajwaMarch 29,2023 at 9:23PM UTC
Also make sure you update you address. In my case moving from LA to San Diego I was told it could affect my payroll deductions.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 11:09PM UTC
not to mention taxes as well, Farah
AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 6:23PM UTC
It's the same state, (very) different tax jurisdiction. Certainly you can ask, but per other posters, have a strong case prepared for why the company should employ you at the NYC location/tax jurisdiction with the knowledge that it is going to cost them more (in multiple ways) to employ you there. If there is any temptation (and I know you didn't ask this) to go 100% remote and move, I would advise against -- a friend of mine took to the road during the pandemic, working New York City hours wherever he was in the US, and was promptly fired the minute the company figured it out. Employee location/tax jurisdiction matters for the company to stay in legal compliance. Good luck!
Victoria AbramsMarch 31,2023 at 4:36PM UTC
I agree with your response on some responding rudely. We want to be in a safe place to ask questions. I believe this is why the forum was made. Sometimes questions don't make sense, but you are there to help, Kindly!
The ask depends on the value they put on you and what can you offer by moving close to the NYC office. Many companies want more of a hybrid, mostly in the office employees so you may have a good chance. Let them know what you are thinking or just put feelers out there.
AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 6:57PM UTC
My employer would only adjust a salary if the employee were moving at the pleasure or request of the COMPANY--not the employee moving for their own convenience. Would you anticipate a pay reduction once you move back out of NYC?
Anne KrookMarch 30,2023 at 2:16AM UTC
If the company has not asked you to move, I would not expect a positive response. If you want to get such an adjustment AND stay with this company, the way to do that is to get an offer from a direct competitor and to let your company know that you will be moving to NYC for that job at that salary, but you like your current company and are they willing to match the offer? And of course get everything in writing (start date, location, salary, vacation / personal days rollover if any, etc.).
AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 10:44AM UTC
I wouldn’t ask this unless you can strongly position this as having value to your company. These days of forcing people back into the office, just enjoying the freedom and privilege of working from anywhere is a big benefit in itself, so asking for more money because you want to do this may not go over well.
Crystal HowellMarch 30,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
I think if it's on your own accord, maybe not. See if you can ask to be transferred first and if my pay will match the nyc office salary?
AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
This is a joke, right? You want to move to a higher cost of living location and want an increase in salary to be able to afford to live there when the company hasn't asked you to transfer? If the company wanted to transfer you to Oklahoma would you accept a decrease?