Wage growth measures how quickly pay is increasing over time.
Nominal vs Real
Nominal wage growth is not adjusted for inflation. Real wage growth subtracts inflation to show actual purchasing power change.
Why It Matters
If wages are rising but rent is rising faster, affordability can still deteriorate.
What to Pair It With
- CPI / inflation
- Rent growth
- Unemployment trends
Move Planning Use
Cities with durable wage growth and controlled housing inflation often produce better long-term affordability outcomes than markets with volatile wage spikes.