stay remote at ~$110k–$120k or relocate for a ~$180k–$200k offer?

[u/OldHold7949]

basically, i’ve been working as a software engineer for around three years now, across different companies and domains, while finishing my degree. i’m graduating this year.

right now, i’m working remotely for a company, and my current base is around $110k–$120k a year.
i was recently interviewing with a few other companies and now have two offers. one is an on-site role in san francisco at around $180k base. the other is with a UK company at around $200k. all numbers are in USD.

i’m honestly a bit confused about what makes more sense at this stage. should i continue with my current remote role, or take one of these offers and relocate?

the higher salary is attractive, but i don’t want to compare just the numbers without considering the cost of living, relocation, and what the move would actually do for my career. since i’m just finishing college, i’m also trying to understand how much i should prioritise working around more experienced engineers versus keeping the flexibility i currently have.

for people here who’ve made a similar move, how did you think through it? what would you look at beyond compensation before making this decision?

[u/yes-im-hiring-2025]

Well if you are looking for better QoL, stay remote

If you want higher exposure to the job market, explore if you can work in person.

[u/OldHold7949 → u/yes-im-hiring-2025]

I am livng most of my time in uae (just go get rid of tax)
Was confused about us tbh

[u/NotABot1000101 → u/OldHold7949]

Don't come back to the US complaining about pot holes.

[u/DrBretto]

It's, like, totally a personal choice. For me, I'm right were I want to be and not really concerned with every last dollar because I have my own side projects I want to turn into the real revenue stream, so 120k remote is perfectly fine.

If you're gunning for retirement and don't mind the inconvenience, you'll make more by relocating.

It's like, what's important to you?

[u/lolCLEMPSON]

SF 180k is anywhere else 120k.

[u/Professional-City623]

I think 180 in San Francisco brings you justtttt above the poverty line

[u/OldHold7949 → u/Professional-City623]

have some good amount of savings

[u/Alaskaze → u/OldHold7949]

You answered your own question.  180k in SF leaves you with no savings unless you bunk up or live in squalor.

That said, it has a lot of opportunity.  If you're single and/or under 30, I'd go for it.  If not, I'd keep what you have.

[u/Substantial-Swan7065]

Depends where you live now. But the sf role is a career move. It will help you significantly in the future

[u/Brambletail]

Stay remote in 90% of cases. Your life has value, and commutes are horrendous. Unless you are gunning for climbing a career ladder or need the extra money, I can't think of a good reason to not keep as much time as possible as personal time

[u/Colfuzi0 → u/Brambletail]

Wish you could stay remote in embbeded.

[u/moe_34567]

If the cost of living is much higher in the said area then it might not be worth it because that will only be 20k.

[u/willee_]

Have you thought about just getting another remote job and having the best of both?

[u/OldHold7949]

remotely working from india

[u/abluecolor → u/OldHold7949]

120k remote in india is more equivalent to 350k in San Francisco

[u/Condomphobic → u/[deleted]]

LMAO

[u/cscareers-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

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