hey! 3 year NYC SSV here - I make just under $22 so it’s possible you’d take a pay cut depending on your tenure, but it doesn’t seem like it would be much. there’s tons of stores in Manhattan, but fewer in the outer boroughs, so there might not be a store in whatever neighborhood you’re moving to in Brooklyn, but there’s almost certainly one a commutable distance away. like the other commenter said, look into what your commute would look like (and how far you’d feel comfortable commuting to work each day) and go from there as far as finding a store.
also, the stores here can be VASTLY different as far as volume and partner vibes - I’ve worked in multiple stores in multiple districts and all have their merits, but some are obviously more suited to what I’m looking for in a store than others. if you’re able to have any friends in the city stop by stores that you’re interested in and scope them out, I’d definitely recommend that as well!

If you call the store and get in contact with the sm and convince them to give you a bit of their time, they will tell you how much they can pay you. I have transferred four times, and two of those times my ‘tenure’ did not impact my pay rate (they put me at starting rate ). It just depends on the sm and the dm. Tbh in my experience the best luck I’ve had is finding that store manager in the district who tries too hard. They will help you find a store that needs you, which means better chance with better pay. However, finding a store you fit into is not something I’ve figured out.

Starting shift in nyc is $20.

Do a lot of research. NYC is huge. Ideally, you’ll want to know exactly where you want to live and plan your commute. Brooklyn is a boro of the city. By the city do you mean manhattan? Because Brooklyn to Manhattan is quite the hike. Once you know where you want to live then find the store you want to apply to.