I think this is great input. I dont think these COL calculators should be seen as a guide to how much one ought to be getting paid in a particular place as much as a benchmark for things like the cost of utilities and rent. I also understand that my skills are valued highly where I am now, as I don’t have many competitors, whereas in NYC employers have lots of options for people to fill the position.
This has all been very helpful and based on this conversation and the budgeting I’ve been doing, I think I am getting closer to a number I would be confident suggesting, and a minimum number I would know I had to walk away from.