> Median real wages have remained relatively flat over the past 15 years, increasing only about 0.3% annually when adjusted for inflation, according to data fro

> Median real wages have remained relatively flat over the past 15 years, increasing only about 0.3% annually when adjusted for inflation, according to data from the Economic Policy Institute. In contrast, the cost of living — particularly for essentials like housing, healthcare, and education — has risen dramatically. That is plain wrong. The cost of living is THE factor we use to adjust for inflation. Therefore, by definition, the cost of living when adjusted for inflation does not change.