Remote job not letting me relocate

Posting this mainly to vent, maybe get some advice, and to warn others not to repeat my mistake.

I recently got a fully remote job and for the most part it’s been great. I like my team and the work. When I was applying, I asked about relocation and was told it was flexible. The company has employees in all 50 US states, so I didn’t think there would be limitations.

However, after starting I wanted to relocate to a new city in a different state. The city is classified as HCOL area, and I didn’t realize this but had a separate pay band. Because of this I got denied transfer, even though I was fine keeping my current pay. I was told that HR is worried about paying below band in a HCOL band area as they’d consider me a flight risk.

So there’s not too much I can do at this point. Looking back, I wish I would have asked about relocation to this specific city so I would’ve known going in, but I wasn’t fully sure or committed at the time.

Any advice for anyone in a similar situation would be appreciated. Feel pretty bummed but trying to remain grateful for all the positive aspects of my new job. Learn from my mistake!! I had no idea this would even be an issue but it’s something to look out for!