Dear CareerBabe:

I'm relocating from Chicago to Los Angeles and have no idea about how to factor in the move, the cost of housing, etc.? What do I need to know?

Dear Royal:

If you are lucky enough to be a top level executive, your relocation will probably include the following:

1. purchasing your home and helping you buy another
2. favorable mortgage financing
3. compensation for differentials in pay, taxes, private schools for your children
4. a sign-on bonus to cover any stock or benefits (retirement, vacation) you are giving up

Since most of the workforce is not at this level, however, the BASICS of a relocation are as follows:

1. Calculate your salary at the rate of the new location. There is a relocation salary calculator on the web at http://ftp.csd.uwm.edu/Dept/CDC/salryneg.htm
   
   
2. To find out the cost of living in various cities, http://www.pathfinder.com/ (Look for Money Magazine information on the best cities to live in and the cost of living in each.)
   
   
3. Be sure to read the local paper, call local recruiters and grill real estate agents.
   
   
4. If you have any friends who have made similar moves, call them. If you don't, call your college or university and ask the Alumni Association who the President of the Alumni Chapter is in your target city. That person is undoubtedly bound to want to help you and give you some comparable $$ information.

Be$t of Luck,