You can negotiate a wide range of standard and expat-specific benefits, but you must get them in writing before you move. The official sources do not provide data on the best US cities or regions for your family compared to California.
“I am in discussions to relocate to the US from Europe with my wife and 3-year-old daughter for a role requiring frequent travel across North America. I can live anywhere near a major airport. What are the best cities or regions to live in for a young family compared to California, and what standard US benefits (like health insurance and 401k) should I make sure to negotiate in my relocation package?”
Summary
You are in a strong position by asking these questions now. Because employers can pay some or all of the costs for your benefits, knowing what to ask for before you sign gives you the best chance to protect your family.
Read the full explanationHide the full explanation
Choosing where to live
You asked about the best cities or regions to live in for a young family compared to California. The provided government documents do not contain geographic, travel efficiency, or lifestyle data to identify optimal US locations. They also do not address whether California is a benchmark state for expats. You will need to decide on your location based on your own travel needs and family preferences.
Next steps
US corporate benefits are not uniform. Availability and how much the employer pays vary widely, especially based on the size of the company. Here is what to target in your negotiations.
Target standard health and retirement benefits
Ask your employer which benefits they provide and how much of the cost they cover. Standard extra employment benefits often include medical, dental, and eye care, along with life insurance and a retirement plan.
Negotiate expat-specific fringe benefits
You can also negotiate fringe benefits based on your main job location. These can include housing benefits like rent and utilities, education expenses for your dependents, and tax reimbursements.
Get moving expense reimbursements in writing before you move
If your employer agrees to reimburse your moving expenses, you must establish this in a written agreement or company policy before you actually move.
Legal sources
These are the exact rules and data points from the US government that govern your situation.
USCIS M-618
Standard extra employment benefits can include medical, dental, and eye care, as well as life insurance and retirement plans.
In addition to your pay, some employers provide extra employment benefits. Benefits may include: ● Medical care ● Dental care ● Eye care ● Life insurance ● A retirement plan
USCIS M-618
Employers might cover part or all of the costs for your benefits, so you should ask what they provide.
Employers may pay some or all of the costs of these benefits. If you are offered a job, ask which benefits the employer provides to employees.
BLS USDL-25-1464
The availability of benefits like retirement plans varies significantly depending on the size of the company.
Among private industry workers, 59 percent of workers in establishments with less than 100 workers, 86 percent of workers in establishments with 100-499 workers, and 90 percent of workers in establishments with 500 workers or more had access to retirement benefits.
IRS Publication 519
Fringe benefits based on your job location can include rent and utilities.
A housing fringe benefit includes payments to you or on your behalf (and your family’s if your family resides with you) only for the following. • Rent. • Utilities (except telephone charges).
IRS Publication 519
You can also negotiate fringe benefits to cover education expenses for your dependents.
Education. The source of an education fringe benefit for the education expenses of your dependents is determined based on the location of your principal place of work.
IRS Publication 519
To secure moving expense reimbursements, you need a written agreement or company policy established before you move.
Sufficient evidence generally requires an agreement between you and your employer, or a written statement of company pol- icy, which is reduced to writing before the move and which is entered into or established to induce you or other em- ployees to move to another country.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm your specific situation with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Related answers
Join the SettleKit newsletter
We research the hard parts of settling in the US and write articles you will not find anywhere else. Subscribe to get each new article by email.