How Do I Handle Relocation Questions When the Job Requires In-Office Work in Another City?

Key facts

The specifics, before the explanation.

• Several large employers, including Uber, now expect remote staff to move to designated hub cities as a condition of employment
• Relocation packages, where offered, commonly range from a lump sum of a few thousand dollars to full moving and temporary housing for senior roles
• Relocation assistance is generally taxable income in the US and is often subject to a repayment clause if you leave within 12 to 24 months
• Most employers expect you to be on-site within 30 to 90 days of the start date for a relocation hire
• Remote-to-hub transitions are often tracked; failing to relocate by the deadline can be treated as resignation

What this actually means

Relocation questions in 2026 are tied closely to return-to-office policy. A company that mandates office days will not hire someone who lives 800 miles from the office unless that person moves, and after several years of people saying they would move and then not doing it, interviewers now probe harder.

Be specific and realistic. If you are willing to move, say when you could be there and what would need to happen first, such as a lease ending or a partner finding work. Vague enthusiasm reads as a risk. If you are not willing to move, say so in the first conversation; a few companies will still make exceptions for rare skills, but you will not get that exception by hiding your intent until the offer stage.

Ask about the package directly. What relocation support is available for this level? Is it a lump sum or managed move? Does it cover temporary housing? Is there a repayment clause and how long does it last? Is the relocation stipend taxed, and is it grossed up? These are normal questions and asking them signals you are serious about moving rather than fishing.

Also ask about the timeline and consequences. When does the company expect you on site, and what happens if the move slips? Then prepare your answer to the relocation question the same way you would any other interview answer: say it out loud a few times so you can give the commitment, the timeline and the one condition without hesitating.

What to actually do

Rules and figures move. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the official regulator before you rely on it.

• Give a specific move-by date and one real condition rather than a general willingness
• Ask about the package, tax treatment, repayment clause and on-site deadline in the same conversation
• Research cost-of-living differences and factor them into your salary ask before the offer
• Rehearse the relocation answer out loud so the timeline comes out clearly
• Get the relocation terms and any remote grace period written into the offer letter

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask to start remote and relocate later?

Yes, and a 30 to 90 day remote start is common for relocation hires. Get the date you must be on site in writing.

What if the company offers no relocation assistance?

Negotiate a one-time sign-on bonus instead, which achieves the same thing with less paperwork. If they refuse both, factor the cost into whether the offer is worth taking.

Do I have to repay relocation money if I am laid off?

Most clauses apply only to voluntary resignation, but read yours. Ask for the clause to exclude layoffs and terminations without cause before you sign.

Sources

Referenced for this guide:

• IRS: moving expenses