Question 1

How much less can I earn if I leave New York City?

Accepted Answer

NYC has a cost of living index of ~185. A $120,000 NYC salary provides equivalent purchasing power to $70,000 in Phoenix, $75,000 in Atlanta, or $80,000 in Denver. Leaving NYC can effectively give you a 30-40% raise in purchasing power.

Question 2

Will I owe New York taxes after moving away for remote work?

Accepted Answer

New York aggressively enforces residency rules. You must spend fewer than 183 days in NY and demonstrate a 'permanent place of abode' elsewhere. Keep records of your location. If your employer is in NY, you may still owe NY taxes under the 'convenience of employer' rule.

Question 3

Do companies pay less for remote workers in cheaper cities?

Accepted Answer

Increasingly yes — major tech companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce apply location-based pay adjustments. If you relocate from San Francisco to Austin, expect a 25-40% salary reduction at most large companies. Smaller companies often maintain the original salary.

Question 4

What is geographic pay and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Geographic pay (or location-based pay) adjusts salaries based on local cost of living data. Companies typically use bands: Tier 1 (SF, NYC, Seattle = 100%), Tier 2 (Denver, Chicago, Austin = 75-85%), Tier 3 (smaller markets = 65-75%).

Question 5

What remote stipends are typical?

Accepted Answer

Common remote stipends: home office setup ($500-2,000 one-time), monthly internet/utilities ($50-150), coworking space ($100-400), and phone ($25-75). Total monthly stipends typically range from $100-500 at most companies.

Remote Salary Calculator — Leaving New York City

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