Misc.Nov 2, 2019
GoogleqDWA35

Google Bay area vs Amazon Seattle

Need help to make the right choice. I am 38 with partner and elementary age kid. Currently at Google in a non-engineering role with base-170k, bonus-30k, equity (annual vesting average)-70k. Offered a similar role at Amazon Seattle. Base-155k, bonus-60k (only year 1 & 2), equity grant-$150k worth (vesting 5%, 15%, 40%, 40% over 4 years) Given the differences in tax rate and living expenses, where will I get higher net savings on a similar lifestyle? Also if I move to Seattle, I can afford to purchase a home at $1M or lower, but if in the bay area, I will continue to live on rent.

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Amazon CuriouMind Nov 2, 2019

1M home in Seattle??? Good luck with that.

Amazon dssa2 Nov 2, 2019

@CuriouMind There are plenty of 1M home choices in the Seattle area.

Starbucks pXUG15 Nov 3, 2019

Yeah, I have a 2 year old 3-bedroom for less than $600k in central district. 15-20 min bus to Amazon, less by car.

PwC XTkT8 Nov 2, 2019

Seattle is expensive, though it is cheaper than Bay Area. you can def find a decent home for $1M but will include 40mins commute to Amazon.

Google qDWA35 OP Nov 2, 2019

Slightly longer than my current commute, but I can live with it.

Amazon /dev/list Nov 2, 2019

Honestly I would say try to see if you can move to Google Seattle, I know a few people over in the Fremont and Kirkland offices and they love it—there’s also a new GCP office in South Lake Union so a lot of growth in the area

Google qDWA35 OP Nov 2, 2019

That would be ideal, but I didn't see any appropriate roles for me at Google Seattle in the last year.

Amazon /dev/list Nov 3, 2019

I think the culture at Google is worth staying until you’re able to find another Google office—Amazon culture is very team dependent and you don’t really get to see it until you’re there

Starbucks dnsyfreak Nov 2, 2019

Google also has better wlb compared to amazon. I know many folks in Amazon who are only complain box around work.

Google TheCoaster Nov 3, 2019

Try Microsoft as well. East side is good and house is not that expensive. I dont like Bay Area

Amazon kglG47 Nov 3, 2019

Moved from Bay Area to Seattle for Amazon 2 years ago. Quality of life financially is way better. I now have a 3k sq ft new construction home with a bit of land 20 minutes from downtown, and I’m saving a shit ton of money (vs 700 sq ft house in “Atherwood” that cost $1.4m). Zero need to sell vested rsu’s other than to diversify. That said, Seattle itself is a shit hole. All the surrounding areas are nice though. Lots to do outside and the wine produced here is amazing. Hard to make new friends. Food scene is so so. If the job at Amazon gives you the scope you’re looking for and you’ve vetted the manager (100% determines your success) then it’s not a bad place to spend 4 years.

DoorDash Bh34567A Nov 3, 2019

Don't do it. It's not THAT much cheaper. Stay in the bay