Please help to evaluate. I got a job offer for a senior software engineer position for a startup company in Boston. Base :150K Relocation:10K And a few thousand units of company shares which are just paper money. Is this a good offer for the tech job market in Boston? Would I be able to afford a 2 bedroom place with that salary?
If you live out on the Green line the T is above ground past Kenmore Square. This means you have to wait outside for the T (it's not fun in winter) The closer in to Kenmore Square the more likely it will be full for rush hour. Same as some NYC lines but Boston is colder. You can use this map: https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2015/09/22/this-geographically-accurate-mbta-map-shows-its-many-twists-and-turns + any number of apartment apps to find the best place for you. Then use Google maps for estimated commuting time.
Might have to rent in a surrounding city like Waltham and take the train into the city. That’s what most people did while my company was HQd in Cambridge.
Consider job security too.. how well is the startup funded and are they cash flow positive... you don’t want to be blindsided
YOE?
5
Are you looking to pay for the entire 2-bedroom by yourself? Or split it with a roommate? If you're splitting it then 150k is enough to live comfortably here. You can live closer to the city (Cambridge, Somerville) if you like but the quality of apartments will go down for the same price point. And it's very possible to find something cheap. I've been living in townhouses converted into multiple apartments. My previous place was a 4-bedroom for $4100 Currently, I'm in a 3-bedroom that costs $2700. So I think you can definitely find 2-bedroom for around 2.5-3k.
Do you have children? Then you might want to live around Alewife, Arlington, Newton, Brookline, Etc. Rent for 2 bedroom should be around 3k and less.
In Boston proper a 2 bedrooms going to run you 4k/ month. 1 bedrooms going for 3k depending on location and building amenities. You can get cheaper but you’ll have to look and it won’t be brand new. My advice, live as close to work as possible. The trains/busses suck here, and it’s a long cold winter to walk 30 minutes to work.
Sounds like cost of renting in Boston is not much different from renting in bay area T.T