[captain_perl]

"IC equivalent of manager and above"

Managers are not IC's.

"keep a high salary in a lower cost of living area"

Most companies will offer you a lower salary, especially if you tell them that it's a lower cost area.

Sounds like you need to find out the specifics of your company. I can't see how general advice will help you.

It is generally accepted on HN that the easiest tactic to get remote work is to start on-premise and move later though. So your plan makes sense, generally speaking.

[Daishiman]

Honestly, even if you're a mediocre negotiator one should be quite capable of maintaining at least an IC's Bay Area salary while going remote.

The possibility of quitting if you already have extensive relations with the company is unlikely to be appealing.

Good talent is global nowadays and the arguments about cost of living are pretty much worthless if you've demonstrated sufficient value.

In the very worst of cases, OP should negotiate increased vacation time if you're going to accept a lower salary, given that it may align with OPs personal interests in this case.

[dmarlow]

op mentioned switching from manager to IC...