Inflation‑Adjusted Salary Calculator 2026 – Real Pay vs Nominal Pay

Introduction

A 5% raise isn’t a real gain if inflation is 6%. This guide converts your salary into real (inflation‑adjusted) terms so you can negotiate better and plan your budget realistically.

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Real vs Nominal Pay

• Nominal pay: the number on your paycheck
• Real pay: purchasing power after inflation
• Real change ≈ (1 + raise) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1

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How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter last year’s salary and this year’s salary/raise
2. Enter estimated CPI (YoY inflation)
3. See real % change and adjusted salary
4. Add city cost‑of‑living to compare offers across locations

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Examples

• Raise 4% with inflation 3% → real gain ≈ 1%
• Raise 3% with inflation 5% → real loss ≈ −1.9%
• Move from City A to City B with 8% higher COL → need 8% higher pay to break even

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Negotiation Tips

• Benchmark pay using market data; ask for COL plus merit raise
• Use total compensation: salary + bonus + equity + benefits
• Consider remote/hybrid flexibility value

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Related Tools

• Take‑Home Pay Calculator 2026: /calculator
• Pay Frequency Converter 2026: /calculator
• Budget 50/30/20 vs Zero‑Based: /calculator/budget

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CTA: Measure Your Real Raise

Enter your raise and CPI to see your true pay change and create a plan to protect purchasing power.

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Key Takeaways

• Research market salary data before entering any negotiation
• Factor in total compensation including benefits, not just base salary
• Track your income growth over time to ensure it keeps pace with inflation

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your financial details in the fields above
2. Adjust parameters to match your specific situation
3. Review the calculated results and projections
4. Compare different scenarios to find the optimal strategy

Tips for Better Results

• Use realistic estimates based on current market conditions
• Update your calculations regularly as your situation changes
• Consider consulting a financial advisor for complex decisions
• Remember that calculator results are estimates, not guarantees