[trcollinson]

I've never been asked what my living expenses are. I would have been flustered by that question as well, honestly, since it's not up to a company to try to somehow match my living expenses with their pay (unless you live in Japan as a salaryman, of course. patio11 wrote a very enlightening article about that, well worth a read to see the difference in cultures).

Anyway, to answer the question. I have been asked many times what my salary was at my last company. I often reply with simply what I want and a range I will accept. "I received a number of raises and bonuses but I was at about $x. I will accept a range from you of $x to $x + y-k, depending on your benefits." I find the confidence wins over 9 out of 10 times. Additionally, I always have this conversation very early on. At this point I will ask in an initial conversation if we are on the same salary page, "Your company sounds interesting but because I am a <Senior, or whatever> level engineer I want to make sure we are on the same compensation page. I am currently at $x and I am looking for $x - $x + yk to move. What are you looking to pay for someone with my skill set?"

Edit: I see someone really disagrees with certain viewpoints on this question. Would the down-voter like to share why they are down-voting?

[pjungwir]

I didn't downvote, but your formulas don't make any sense. What is y? What is k? Why are they multiplied together (or subtracted?)? Isn't x - x + yk simply yk?

Also more substantively, if you are already making $x, why would you volunteer that you'll accept $x to move?

[trcollinson]

I see I should be clearer on that formula, you are absolutely right. What I meant was a range of $x to $x + $y(thousand) more. Such that I would take $100,000 to $110,000 depending on other factors such as benefits.

I also should have been clearer in stating that I generally will pick the initial "$x" value of the range by deciding what I want. However, if asked, I will often state this is where I am at my current position, even if it is not my actual salary. I do not often share what my actual salary is.