Home-finding / orientation trip
International: $7,500 average. Domestic: $1,500-$5,000. Covers transport, lodging, meals for employee +/- spouse.
1.Gross-up math at this component
For the typical $$3,500 cost at this line item, OBBBA-permanent tax treatment requires gross-up:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Net benefit to employee (typical) | $2,465 |
| Gross-up multiplier (federal combined) | ×1.42x |
| Total cost to employer | $3,500 |
2.When this component applies
Home-finding / orientation trip typically appears in Tier 1-3 (core relocation policies) relocation packages. Reserved for domestic moves; international versions are typically 2-3x cost.
3.How to budget
Conservative budget: use the high-end figure ($7,500) plus the 1.42x gross-up multiplier where applicable. Optimistic budget: typical figure. For pre-deal due diligence, always model the high-end.
Source: https://nrirelocation.com/international-relocation-costs/ · Verified 2026-06-03 · industry reported
Other components
Household goods move (domestic full-service) · Household goods move (international US to EU/APAC) · Temporary housing (corporate furnished apartment) · Spouse / partner career assistance · Pet relocation (domestic) · Pet relocation (international) · Storage in transit (SIT) · Closing-cost assistance (home purchase) · Loss-on-sale protection (BVO/GBO buyout)