Moving to LA for Work: Can I Reasonably Ask for Relocation Help and a Pay Bump?

Hello HR Community, I am a software professional located in Milwaukee, WI, looking for your thoughts on a subject that has me stumped. The majority of the team that I work with is located across the country in our Los Angeles, CA office. My fiancé and I would like to move to Los Angeles for obvious reasons (the weather!). Work-wise, this move would make complete sense for the business, as I will be closer to the team. I don't believe it is unreasonable to request such a transfer, but can I expect the business to offer a relocation package and/or a pay increase to offset the increase in the cost of living?

Notes that may affect the outcome:

- Los Angeles cost of living is 15% greater than Milwaukee
- I work for a 5000+ employee public company
- I have been with the company for 1.5 years
- I was recently promoted with a $10,000 raise

Thanks ahead of time!

In general, if relocation is requested by an employee, compensation is not given. Is anything specified in your HR manual? You may get to know the policy from the manual.

Logically speaking, if you seek a transfer, the organization should not pay you allowances that it would normally provide if they transfer you. However, much depends on what your organization's policy is in this matter. It would be better to find out informally from your HR Department. But if you have no choice, you have to decide what you are actually looking for - the transfer or the money!

Factors to Consider for a Transfer Request

Many factors come into play:

What is the company's policy on transfers? The period of stay at one location for every employee is subject to the exigencies of company business or compassionate requirements of the employee. Being closer to the team does not make much difference because we are in a wired world where communication is instantaneous. A hike in pay may not be given just to compensate for the higher cost of living, but a transfer expenditure being met by the company is a reasonable request. Your company is quite big, and all these contingencies would be amply covered in their rules. There is no harm in asking for clarifications from your HR.

Regards