Cost of Living:  One of the biggest difficulties in deciding whether to make a move or not is understanding the financial impacts. A large part of this is due to the cost of living differences between cities and states.

To assist you with a better understanding of what the impacts might be, we are providing a link to a website that helps you calculate what the cost of living comparison is between your current location and the new opportunity.

A couple of words about cost of living comparisons and the whole issue of trying to decide about the offer and whether it is good enough. First of all, lifestyles, home ownership, and other variances make cost of living comparisons somewhat off for individuals. Remember, these are averages and at best will approximate the impacts of higher housing costs, utilities, etc.

Secondly, when you are considering an offer, you need to look at the total offer when making your decision. Don't let current comp and current cost of living be the only factors. The following are a few additional thoughts to consider :

Why are you making the move? Is it a stronger company? Do you believe that you will have a better chance of promotion? Or is it a short term gig, where the money is the real deal?

From a location standpoint, how does the quality of life differ? Is it a better place to live or worse? Will you and your family have more things to do or less? What about the climate, better or worse? What about closeness to relatives and friends, better or worse?

If you own a home now, how much equity will you have if you sell your home at 10% less than what you think it's worth? What kind of interest rate do you have now, and what will you be able to get at the new location? By the way, maybe you want to rent for awhile to get settled.

In your current job, where do you see yourself in two years? Most moves should be thought of as two year decisions. You often feel like with relocation, cost of living differences that you are breaking even or maybe worse today. The question is, where will you be at your current job in two years, and does the opportunity feel like it provides greater potential. If it doesn't then I would strongly question whether it is the right move.

The Salary Calculator :

The following link will take you to the website for "The Salary Calculator". It is maintained by "The Homebuyer's Fair, LLC". ESC2000 is not responsible for the content of any links on this website. 

Additionally, The Center for Mobility Resources and The Homebuyer's Fair, LLC make no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the data. Click on the icon below.