I'd agree. Even if they are covering full relo (which they really should be if they are requiring you to move), 90k is pretty low to move TO California. If yo

I'd agree. Even if they are covering full relo (which they really should be if they are requiring you to move), 90k is pretty low to move TO California. If you were moving to Kansas than that'd be different, still not realistic overall but way closer. If you are heading to the SF area, that's even worse, then say LA. I'd be asking for a more fair salary. Basically they did the math of benefits and took most of it out of your offer. The reality is if they have to hire a full time employee in CA with 12+ years they'll likely spend more than $120k/year. To be fair, I think a lot of startups today are stuck not understanding how to pay people with experience. I think they get little to no solid advice on how to properly make offers and so they suck at it generally. I've seen them offer $40k & .5% thinking that is fair for people with major experience. But if you go back to them and talk about it sanely and not confrontationally you'll be fine. Many times they just don't know where to start so they take a guess and to me it seems like they took most of the benefits cost out of your current salary and then made an offer. You shouldn't be below $100k. And remember the equity is worthless, so don't consider it as part of the offer, it is just a bonus that is like buying a lottery ticket with about the same odds. :)