Relocation Playbook
Move from San Francisco to Dubai
Founders relocating from California to Dubai eliminate state & federal income tax drag entirely. We quantify the delta across tax, cost of living, and monthly cash flow so you can ship an evidence-backed relocation memo.
San Francisco Net Pay
$193,533
Effective rate 30.9% • marginal 42.6%
Dubai Net Pay
AED 1,027,600
Effective rate 0.0% • marginal 0.0%
Annual delta
+$86,467.00
After tax & social costs on $280,000 package
Tax structure breakdown
- •No capital gains or stock option tax
- •Golden Visa + ADGM residency within 30 days
- •20% lower cost of living than SF prime districts
Cost of living shift
Cost of living
96
Cost of living
55
Rent index
98
Rent index
72
Differences in rent and COL mean the tax delta compounds into lifestyle gains.
Relocation timeline
- Week 0-4: Finalize offer structure, trigger exit tax planning in San Francisco, and launch visa applications for Dubai.
- Week 4-10: Relocate, lease housing, and obtain tax residency certificates (TRC/Tax Domicile). Update payroll & equity grant paperwork.
- Week 10+: Rebuild allowances and cash management to exploit Dubai benefits (housing stipends, CPF/GOSI options, corporate structures).