Is your paycheck really keeping up?
See how inflation changes prices and real pay, with a separate historical CPI-index comparison.
No email or phone. Inputs stay in this tab. Amounts are USD.Keep up to three named scenarios, then change the calculator for the next one. Saved comparisons stay in this tab and disappear when you leave. To save a file, choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print dialog.
Your assumed raises lose purchasing power
Estimates update as you change the numbers. Review the assumptions below.
See the breakdown
- Total assumed price change
- 34.4%
- Future salary in today’s dollars
- $54,423
- Salary needed to preserve purchasing power
- $80,635
- Historical equivalent using entered CPI indexes
- $1,244
- Historical price change using entered indexes
- 24.4%
Your plan over time
View exact values
| Period | Nominal salary | Salary in today’s dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Year 0 | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Year 1 | $61,200 | $59,417 |
| Year 2 | $62,424 | $58,841 |
| Year 3 | $63,672 | $58,269 |
| Year 4 | $64,946 | $57,704 |
| Year 5 | $66,245 | $57,143 |
| Year 6 | $67,570 | $56,589 |
| Year 7 | $68,921 | $56,039 |
| Year 8 | $70,300 | $55,495 |
| Year 9 | $71,706 | $54,956 |
| Year 10 | $73,140 | $54,423 |
How to read this estimate
The projection is a constant-rate scenario, not a forecast or live inflation reading. Negative inflation and raises are allowed. Real change is compounded, not calculated by simply subtracting rates.
Historical conversion = amount × ending CPI / starting CPI. Use the same index series and comparable time periods for both values. Saved period choices use BLS monthly CPI-U, U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted. Defaults compare December 2020 with December 2025. You can enter custom indexes; the dated snapshot is not refreshed automatically.
The BLS CPI measures average consumer price change. Your household basket and location can differ; the index does not predict your personal costs.
A larger paycheck can buy less
The fictional forward scenario starts with a $60,000 salary, 2% annual raises and 3% annual inflation. Over ten years, real pay changes by (1.02 ÷ 1.03)^10 − 1, rather than by simply subtracting one percentage point once.
What to look for: The dated CPI comparison is separate from the forward scenario. It converts an amount using the ratio of two actual index levels; it does not predict future inflation.
The example figures above stay fixed while you edit your own scenario. Use “Load example” to restore default inputs where available.
Your next steps
- Use matching CPI series and annual or monthly periods for historical comparisons.
- Compare your actual pay change with changes in your own major expenses.
- Try multiple future inflation scenarios rather than relying on one rate.
Sources & assumptions
Linked sources explain the methods and considerations. Example rates, costs and future growth assumptions are editable illustrations, not current market quotes. Reviewed September 7, 2026.
- BLS: CPI purchasing power methodology ↗
- BLS: historical monthly CPI-U data (saved period source) ↗
- BLS: historical CPI inflation calculator ↗
These tools provide educational estimates. Confirm terms and inputs before making a financial commitment.