SF to LA (Santa Monica) How much should relocation package be? (San Diego: apartment, job market)

[OceanShrimp]

Was offered a position at a SM startup (I am a recent grad).

What are the costs of moving from SF to SM? How much should I ask for the relocation package? What should a proper and fair relocation package look like.

I think the bulk of my moving is cloths. I am just looking to move the necessities (computer, some books, cloths). Of course, I want to bring chairs/tables, lamps, and such. But I don't know how much bargaining power I have as a recent grad. Also, it's either I drive down with my stuff or fly down and store my things in the bags.

Start date is in 2 weeks after accepting the offer. I am thinking of staying at a friend's place temporarily and look for housing.

I wanted to be more prepared when I mention the relocation package again. I've heard that it is either a lump sum or reimbursement. What do you think?

[davdaven]

Do you have an existing job? I took a job offer in San Jose after graduating from college in 2005, and I was required to move there from San Diego. I was not employed at the time. They offered me a $1,000 bonus to cover moving expenses, which was enough to get me and my few possessions up there. I don't work in tech, however, so YMMV. My job was at an established professional firm with ~200 employees.

[rca215]

I would think somewhere between $2,500 and $7,500. My only basis for that is $10K I was offered from Chicago to Boston (lump sum) and Chicago to SF (reimbursement). The Chicago to SF amount seemed a bit light, but I did it very comfortable for about $8,500 (moving a 1 bedroom apartment plus a month of temp housing).

Lump sum versus reimbursement could impact how it is taxed. All of lump sum would be taxed, I think, whereas only some aspects of reimbursement would be. But with lump sum you can go cheapo and keep the extra.

Most places would also cover temp housing while you look for a place, but usually included within whatever total amount they give you.

[OceanShrimp]

Got it. What is more standard in the (your) industry--lump sum or reimbursement? Is either one I should ask for first?

I am not sure if I should ask for a month of temp housing considering it is an entry level position and I don't want to sound high-maintenance. But I don't know enough about this to be sure.

And yes, @DavDaven I am currently employed.

[zitsky]

I wouldn't expect that much, seeing as you are probably driving a UHaul down state or maybe hiring one and hopping in your car. I wouldn't expect the same amount to drive to southern California as I might get to move from coast to coast or coast to midwest. Maybe you can get lucky and get $2,500 plus one month of apartment rent.

[rca215]

Lump sum vs reimbursement usually isn't up to the employee. They likely have a standard way of doing it. For me, lump sum was management consulting and reimbursement was biotech.

Also, keep in mind that a lot of relocation reimbursement packages require you to stay at the company for some period of time, typically 1-2 years. So, if you leave by choice or are fired for doing something incredibly stupid (like, illegal stupid), you might have to pay it back. I had to do that with a job once. The worst part was trying to get the taxes I paid on the lump sum back from the IRS because I had to pay the company back the gross amount.

[ccm123]

I've relocated a few times from the Bay Area to SoCal for career purposes.

I've received from a 5K "lump sum" to a "reimbursed at actual costs" relocation package which paid for everything.

Before you sign the offer letter, you should negotiate your package. If they want you, they will work with you.

The LA job market sucks, compared to the Bay Area, so I am sure they had to look "high and low" to find someone like you. I am sure they will work something out with you.