relocation costs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal; Business/HR
Quick answer
What does “relocation costs” mean?
The expenses incurred when moving one's home and possessions to a new place of residence, often for work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The expenses incurred when moving one's home and possessions to a new place of residence, often for work.
Expenses specifically associated with changing one's primary residence, typically reimbursed or covered by an employer as part of a job transfer. Can include costs for hiring movers, temporary housing, travel, and lease-breaking fees.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept is identical. 'Removal costs' is a slightly more common British alternative, but 'relocation costs' is standard in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly connotes corporate HR policies, employee benefits, and financial compensation.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US business/HR contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “relocation costs” in a Sentence
The company [verb: covers] relocation costs.Relocation costs [verb: include] [object: temporary accommodation].We [verb: negotiated] a package covering all relocation costs.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “relocation costs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm agreed to relocate him and cover all associated costs.
- We are relocating and the costs are being managed by HR.
American English
- The company will relocate us and handle the moving costs.
- They're relocating the entire division, so relocation costs are a major budget item.
adjective
British English
- The relocation costs policy was clearly outlined in the contract.
- We need a detailed relocation costs estimate.
American English
- The relocation costs package was very generous.
- There's a standard relocation costs allowance for new hires.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard term in employment contracts, HR policies, and compensation discussions for new hires or transfers.
Academic
Used in human resources management, economics, and sociology studies on labour mobility.
Everyday
Used when discussing a new job offer or a corporate move with family or friends.
Technical
Precise term in global mobility management, tax accounting (for deductible expenses), and corporate relocation services.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “relocation costs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “relocation costs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relocation costs”
- Using singular 'cost' (incorrect: 'The relocation cost is high.' Correct: 'The relocation costs are high.'). Confusing with 'travel costs' which are only one component.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on local tax laws. Often, if paid directly by an employer to a service provider, they may not be taxable income for the employee. Reimbursements or allowances may be taxable. Always consult a tax advisor.
Common items are moving company fees, travel to the new location, temporary housing, costs related to selling an old home or breaking a lease, and sometimes assistance with finding a new home.
'Relocation costs' refers specifically to the expenses. A 'relocation package' is the broader offer from an employer, which may cover the costs and include additional support like cultural training, spousal job assistance, or a lump-sum payment.
Yes, especially for senior or hard-to-fill positions. You can negotiate the scope (what is covered), the maximum amount, or request a lump-sum allowance for greater flexibility.
The expenses incurred when moving one's home and possessions to a new place of residence, often for work.
Relocation costs is usually formal; business/hr in register.
Relocation costs: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːləʊˈkeɪʃən ˈkɒsts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːloʊˈkeɪʃən ˈkɔːsts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A golden handshake (can include generous relocation costs)”
- “Part of the package”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think RE-LOCATION: you are RE-establishing your LOCATION. The COSTS are what you pay to do it.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELOCATION IS A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION / RELOCATION IS A CORPORATE INVESTMENT (IN AN EMPLOYEE).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'relocation costs' MOST likely used?