Nominal salary tells you how much money you receive. Cost-of-living-adjusted salary tells you how much that money can actually buy. A $200,000 salary in San Francisco and a $140,000 salary in Austin can provide nearly identical purchasing power. Tax differences are not included.
Where Should I Live?
Nominal vs COL-Adjusted Salary
| # | Location | Median (Nominal) | COL Index | Adjusted | COL Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dayton, NE | $34,320 | 90.8 | $37,797 | #1 |
| 2 | Obetz, OH | $33,280 | 94.0 | $35,404 | #2 |
| 3 | Clackamas, OR | $30,160 | 113.1 | $26,667 | #5 (-2) |
| 4 | Lincoln, NE | $29,120 | 90.8 | $32,070 | #3 (+1) |
| 5 | Corona, CA | $27,040 | 138.5 | $19,523 | #9 (-4) |
| 6 | BENSENVILLE, IL | $27,040 | 92.3 | $29,296 | #4 (+2) |
| 7 | Chehalis, WA | $25,688 | 114.6 | $22,415 | #7 |
| 8 | St. Sioux City, IA | $21,403 | 90.3 | $23,702 | #6 (+2) |
| 9 | Covington, GA | $18,720 | 91.0 | $20,571 | #8 (+1) |
Key Insights
- The highest nominal salary for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand is in Dayton, NE at $34,320, but after cost-of-living adjustment Dayton, NE offers the best purchasing power at $37,797 equivalent.
- Beware: Corona, CA looks strong at #5 on nominal pay ($27,040) but its high cost of living drops it 4 spots to #9 on purchasing power.
Salary Check
Are you a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand wondering if you are underpaid?
Compare your pay against government-filed salary data for this role.