Moving from MCOL Area. Ask for Market Adjustment?

[Anonymous]

I’ll be moving to the DMV from a MCOL city within several months due to an incredible career opportunity for my partner.

I’m a well-respected member of a corporate environment and planning to transfer to one of my company’s offices in DMV. I want to ask for a market adjustment in pay since I am moving to a much higher COL area. I recognize it is my choice to move and not my company’s (so I shouldn’t expect anything) but also feel that I’d be missing an opportunity to ask if I don’t. And I don’t think it would be difficult for me to get a job at another company in the area and that’s something that should concern my current company if they’re thinking about not upping my salary. What I do is niche and I have a lot of good experience.

Does anyone else have this experience, or tips on how to ask? I know COVID has also skewed expectations around different salaries in different locations too, but again, missed opportunity not to ask.

[Anonymous]

I would present it as you did in the OP. It doesn't hurt to ask but I'd also look for other job opportunities that pay more as well.

[Anonymous]

My company would give you zero. However, our annual raise takes into account zip code and we will consider that.

How is DC more expensive? I say that as I got a relo to DC and my salary and sign one package covered the cost difference. The move had no effect on my wife.

[Anonymous]

My company and my spouse's definitely give COL adjustments. They do it automatically when you update your address/information with HR. If yours doesn't then I would inquire with HR if it is possible to have an adjustment take place at the time of your move.

[Anonymous]

You could use the federal government’s locality adjustment percentage to approximate what you should be paid by moving to the DMV.

https://www.federalpay.org/gs/locality

[Anonymous]

OP here...update for anyone who may be in the same boat. My company gave me a 25% salary increase.