If you just accepted an offer from Amazon in Seattle or Bellevue, your relocation package is the single biggest lever you have for landing well. This guide explains what the package usually includes, what it does not cover, and how to use it to rent smart or buy on the Eastside without wasting it. Updated September 2026.
The short version
- Most new hires choose between a lump-sum cash allowance and a managed move (movers, temporary housing, travel). The option you get depends on level and role.
- Amazon does not publish lump-sum amounts. Figures employees report publicly vary widely by level and year, so treat anything you read online as a rough range, not a number to plan around.
- The lump sum is generally reported as tax-assisted, and the move is typically coordinated by a relocation management company. Your offer documents are the only source that counts.
- Relocation money usually has to be repaid, often prorated, if you leave within a set period. Read that clause before you spend it.
- Amazon has required corporate employees in the office five days a week since January 2025, so commute time now drives where you should live more than it did during hybrid years.
Lump sum or managed move?
| Situation | Usually the better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single, few belongings, renting first | Lump sum | Cash is flexible, and a small move rarely costs the full amount. |
| Family, furniture, vehicles to ship | Managed move | Movers, car shipping and temporary housing for a household can exceed a typical lump sum. |
| Selling a home where you live now | Managed move, if it includes home-sale help | Some packages help with selling costs or lease breaks; a flat lump sum rarely stretches that far. |
| Planning to buy on the Eastside within a year | Depends on temporary housing length | Longer company-paid housing gives you time to learn neighborhoods before committing. |
If your recruiter will discuss it, ask three questions before you choose: how many days of temporary housing are included, whether a home-finding trip is covered, and exactly how repayment is calculated if you leave early.
What the package does not do for you
A relocation company moves your things and books your temporary apartment. It does not tell you which neighborhood fits a five-day commute, which school boundaries matter, or which listings are overpriced for the micro-market. That local judgment is where most relocating buyers either save or lose money, and it is the part we handle.
Where Amazon employees live on the Eastside
Amazon has a large and growing presence in downtown Bellevue alongside its Seattle headquarters. With a five-day office week, a 20-minute commute versus a 50-minute one adds up to more than 100 hours a year. Times below are typical weekday ranges to downtown Bellevue and vary with traffic.
| Area | Typical drive to downtown Bellevue | Why Amazon employees choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | Walk to 20 min | Shortest commute, condos downtown, top-rated Bellevue schools in neighborhoods like Somerset. |
| Kirkland | 15 to 30 min | Waterfront downtown, strong schools, easy I-405 access. |
| Redmond | 15 to 30 min | Newer housing, Lake Washington schools, light rail access. |
| Issaquah | 15 to 30 min | I-90 access, trails and mountain views, more space for the money. |
| Sammamish | 25 to 40 min | Larger lots and newer homes, highly rated schools. |
| Bothell | 25 to 40 min | More approachable prices, fast-growing north end. |
If you will report to a Seattle building instead, the calculus changes: Bellevue and Kirkland via SR-520 or I-90 usually beat farther-out suburbs. See the Eastside city comparisons for side-by-side prices, schools and commutes.
Using relocation money toward a home
- Use temporary housing as your research window. Tour two or three neighborhoods on weekdays at commute hours before you commit.
- Get fully pre-approved early. Lenders will want your offer letter and start date; a new-employer letter is usually enough once you have started.
- Keep the lump sum liquid until closing. Large unexplained deposits or spending can complicate underwriting.
- Know your repayment exposure. If you might leave within the clawback window, do not treat relocation cash as part of your down payment.
- Rent first if you are unsure. A six- to twelve-month lease near your office is a reasonable plan if you have not chosen a school district yet.
A 90-day relocation timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 90 days out | Choose lump sum or managed move, confirm temporary housing dates, shortlist two or three areas. |
| 60 days out | Book the home-finding trip or virtual tours, talk to a lender, decide rent versus buy. |
| 30 days out | Lock movers, confirm school enrollment steps, set up utilities for your temporary address. |
| First 60 days on the job | Test your actual commute, then write offers or sign a longer lease with real data. |
Frequently asked questions
How much is Amazon’s relocation package?
Amazon does not publish the amount. It varies by level, role and whether you take the lump sum or a managed move. Your offer paperwork is the only reliable figure.
Is the lump sum taxable?
Relocation payments are generally taxable income, and Amazon’s lump sum is commonly reported as tax-assisted. Confirm the net amount in writing and talk to a tax professional about your situation.
Do I have to pay it back if I leave?
Usually yes, on a prorated basis within a set period. Check the repayment agreement before accepting.
Can I choose my own real estate agent?
Check your policy. Some company programs route buyers to a partner network, and choosing outside it can affect certain benefits. If you are free to choose, pick someone who knows the specific Eastside neighborhoods you are considering.
Talk it through before you choose
A 30-minute call is usually enough to match your commute, budget and school priorities to two or three neighborhoods, and to decide whether to rent or buy first. Book a 30-minute call with Justin Cicero, Managing Broker, or send your details.
Relocation benefits are set by your employer and change over time. This article is general information, not tax, legal or employment advice. Verify details with your recruiter and your offer documents.