Research the new location's cost of living and industry benchmarks, then state a range based on that data, not your current salary. For example, if you earned $30,000 in a low-cost country but the same role pays $80,000 in New York, ask for $75,000–$85,000. Never anchor your number with your home country pay—it's irrelevant to the employer.

The single rule that protects your value

The only rule for answering salary expectations as a relocating candidate: base your number on the local market, not your current income. Employers hiring from abroad expect you to ask for a local-market number. If you mention your home salary, you signal that you don't understand the new market—or worse, you undervalue yourself. A candidate from India earning ₹1,200,000 ($14,400) who asks for $18,000 in San Francisco appears naive. The same candidate who says $85,000 looks prepared.

Step 1: Research the new market and cost of living

Before any interview, compile three data points:

• Industry salary surveys from sources like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Robert Half for your role and experience level in the target city.
• Cost-of-living comparison using Numbeo or Expatistan. A rule of thumb: multiply your home cost of living index by the ratio of the new city's index to get a baseline.
• Employer-specific range from sites like Blind or company reviews that mention typical offers for relocators.

Do not rely on a single source. Cross-reference at least three to avoid outliers.

Step 2: Build your range using a simple formula

Once you have the local market range (e.g., $75,000–$95,000 for a mid-level role in Chicago), consider three adjustments:

• Your unique skills and experience (if senior, lean toward the top).
• Any relocation assistance the employer offers (cash bonus, housing stipend, visa fees).
• Your tax situation: moving from a low-tax country to a high-tax state like California may require a higher gross salary.

Your answer should be a range roughly 10% below the market midpoint to 10% above it. That gives room for negotiation while showing you're realistic.

Example before/after rewrite

Before (common mistake): "I currently earn $25,000 in Thailand. I would be happy with $30,000."

After (prepared answer): "After researching the local market for a marketing manager in Austin, I see typical salaries range from $65,000 to $80,000. Based on my 5 years of experience and similar industry background, I'm targeting $68,000 to $75,000. Does that align with your budget for this role?"

The rewrite shows research, a defensible range, and a question that invites dialogue.

Step 3: Deliver your answer with confidence

When the question comes in the interview, follow this script:

1. Thank them for asking.
2. State your range clearly—do not hedge with "maybe" or "around."
3. Frame it as a collaborative discussion: "Does that fall within your range for the position?"

If they press for a single number, give the low end of your range and explain your flexibility depends on total compensation (bonus, equity, relocation).

Step 4: What if they push for a number before you're ready?

Some recruiters ask during the initial phone screen, before you have full market data. Respond with: "I'd like to base my expectations on the role's responsibilities and total package. Could you share the budgeted range for this position? I'm happy to confirm my alignment once I have more context." This buys you time and often makes them reveal their number first.

FAQ

How do I avoid lowballing myself?

Always compare your desired salary to the cost of living in the new city. Use a purchasing power calculator: your $40,000 in a low-cost city may need $85,000 in a high-cost city to maintain the same lifestyle. That figure becomes your floor.

Should I mention my current salary?

No. Your current salary is irrelevant to your value in the new market. Many U.S. states now legally prohibit salary history inquiries. If asked, redirect: "My current compensation isn't comparable. I prefer to focus on the value I can bring here."

What if the employer asks for my current pay first?

Politely decline: "I'm not comfortable sharing my current salary as it's in a very different market. However, I'm happy to share my salary expectations for this role, which I've based on local benchmarks." Most recruiters will accept this if you give a researched range.

Now that you have a clear salary strategy, make sure the rest of your resume supports your relocation story. Check your resume for any red flags that might undercut your value.