Moving from Michigan to San Francisco, California (San Jose, Oakland: apartments, rental)

[TXstate0fmind]

Originally Posted by 04kl4nd

110k in sf will be like 50k where you are. I'd stay put.

30k

[Bluefox]

110k is peanuts in the Bay Area. I would want 150k minimum if I earned 100k in Michigan. 100k offers you a lot in Michigan. It offers you little in the Bay Area unless you really want to make some sacrifices.

There are better areas on the West Coast that are more affordable. Check out Seattle or Portland.

[miresident]

Thanks everyone for the comments. It really helps. I am married with no kids yet and yes, there are stock options with the salary. The job is near Milpitas, CA and not really in SF. I will try to negotiate the salary to around 120-130K and will see from there.

[jrt1979]

Originally Posted by miresident

Hello,
I am living in Michigan and have a pretty steady job with base salary close to 100K. Recently got a job in San Francisco Bay Area and the company is offering around 110K. I am doing pretty well here in Michigan with 100K salary and not sure if 110K in Bay Area will be able to keep up with my existing living standards. Looking at few cost of living comparison websites, looks like my salary should be almost double in Bay Area which I don't think the employer would even think of. In Michigan I live in a nice 2,000 sqft house but I don't think that is even remotely possible in the bay area.

Obviously few of the advantages of Bay Area are, happening city, nice weather etc but then it is expensive as well. Just wanted to know your thoughts on if it is a good idea to move to CA or just live in Michigan.

Thanks

You're going to live in an apartment if you make that move.

If you're young and want to live in a happening place, go for it, but just know that you're quality of life outside of the "cool" factor isn't going to be nearly as good.

Also, if you're a single, straight and white , the dating scene is pretty rough. It's been a while since my time in SF, so this could be different now????

[Semiworker]

Originally Posted by miresident

Thanks everyone for the comments. It really helps. I am married with no kids yet and yes, there are stock options with the salary. The job is near MILPITAS CA and not really in SF. I will try to negotiate the salary to around 120-130K and will see from there.

FYI, your post should be in the San Jose Forum, as Milpitas is in the South Bay Area.
Milpitas, North San Jose areas are not as expensive as San Francisco and are more affordable for your offered salary. Even so, your standard of living will be downgraded from Michigan at the same $100k salary level.

I would make the move only if there is long term career advantages.

[likealady]

Wow, this job thinks they are going to offer you only 10k more over your current salary. I would have laughed in their faces.

Don't consider moving unless they offer at least 140-150k base imo.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by likealady

Wow, this job thinks they are going to offer you only 10k more over your current salary. I would have laughed in their faces.

Companies count on new hires not doing any research ahead of time and having that "I'm moving to California!" gleam in their eyes. Or getting dazzled by the stock options. I sure hope they're RSUs and they start to vest after one year.

Don't consider moving unless they offer at least 140-150k base imo.

The OP really should come out here and look around, if he hasn't already.

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by miresident

Thanks everyone for the comments. It really helps. I am married with no kids yet and yes, there are stock options with the salary. The job is near Milpitas, CA and not really in SF. I will try to negotiate the salary to around 120-130K and will see from there.

If you can't get them to budge on the base salary, ask for a signing bonus.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

If you can't get them to budge on the base salary, ask for a signing bonus.

The other question is: are they paying for his move? IDK, they seem like they're taking their employees for granted, as if anyone would jump for the chance to live in "sunny California", so the bosses don't have to provide decent offers.

[brb going fishing]

Stock options are usually worthless IMO. RSUs are a different story. $110K + stock options is a bottom tier offer for the Bay Area and you could probably do much better if you shopped around.

Also, your $100K Michigan salary actually gives you great leverage when negotiating a salary in the Bay Area. More leverage than $110K in the Bay Area, at least. You're obviously a bright person considering you've obtained this salary in such a low CoL region, and are probably better than the $110K Bay Area offer.