Cost of Living Raise Calculator
The raise you need to keep up with inflation — and the cost of not getting one
COLA Raise Needed This Year
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This cost-of-living raise calculator shows the raise you need just to keep pace with inflation, and how much purchasing power your salary loses if it stays flat. Enter your salary and an inflation rate to see the break-even raise, and project how much your money will be worth years from now without one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cost-of-living raise (COLA)?
A cost-of-living adjustment is a pay increase meant to offset inflation so your purchasing power stays flat. If prices rise 3.3%, a 3.3% COLA keeps you even — it is not a real raise, just standing still. Anything above the inflation rate is a genuine raise.
How much raise do I need to keep up with inflation?
Multiply your salary by the inflation rate. At 3.3% inflation, a $60,000 earner needs about $1,980 just to break even. A raise smaller than inflation is effectively a pay cut, because your money buys less than it did last year.
What happens to my salary if I never get a raise?
Inflation quietly erodes it. At 3.3% inflation, a flat $60,000 salary buys only about $51,000 worth of goods after 5 years and roughly $43,000 worth after 10 years. This calculator shows exactly how much purchasing power you lose over time.
Is inflation the same as my personal cost of living?
Not exactly. The headline inflation rate (CPI) is a national average across a basket of goods. Your personal inflation depends on where you live and what you buy — housing, healthcare, and childcare often rise faster. Adjust the rate to match your situation.
What inflation rate should I use?
This calculator defaults to about 3.3%, the approximate 2026 U.S. rate. For long-term planning, many people use the Federal Reserve's 2% target or a 2.5–3% historical average. Enter whatever rate best reflects your outlook.