Latest / Wages and Prices with Fexingo: Cost of Living, Pay Raises, and Workers' Purchasing Power
Why Your Paycheck Outruns Prices in Some States
In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine why workers in some states are experiencing faster real wage growth than others, even with national inflation cooling. Using April 2026 data—average hourly earnings at $37.40 and CPI at 332.4—they break down how state-level policies, industry mix, and housing costs create a growing divide. Lucas highlights Washington state, where a $16.28 minimum wage and a strong tech sector have boosted real wages by 3% year-over-year, while Luna points to Florida, where tourism-driven job growth is undercut by rent spikes that outpace raises. They discuss the role of…
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