[matz1]

> What's to stop me just moving somewhere cheaper after I get the remote job tired to location?

Nothing, assuming I can find other people with the similar quality as you, but significantly cheaper because they live in lower cost of living area, why would I not replace you ?

[ownagefool]

It's almost safe to assume they wouldn't hire me in the first place if they had the quality on tap significantly cheaper.

[matz1]

yes, the point is people (assuming similar work quality) living on cheaper place can afford to undercut other people living in more expensive place. That's why remote position usually pay less, because you are now competing globally.

[ownagefool]

Which goes back to the point, the price is the price and not, the price is variable based on location. Either there simply isn't enough value for anyone to be based in SF, or it should be possible to present similar value whilst being based elsewhere.

[matz1]

The only way you can demand SF area salary by living in let say vietnam is if you can convince your employer that they won't be able to find anyone else in the world that can do your job as good as you.