I am a developer attempting to move from NYC to San Francisco (for a whole plethora of reasons). Pretty much all of the companies (mid-sized tech startups) don't offer a relocation package. Is there any alternatives I can ask for besides a relocation package?

For instance, can I ask for a few weeks salary upfront? Or alternatively, could I ask for relocation assistance as some sort of a signing bonus, and instead to cut out some percentage from my paycheck each week? This way the company is not paying me any additional amount for relocating and that amount is coming out of my salary, but my relocation expenses are covered.


Are there any other alternatives you know of that can help me out?