In America many costs are rising steadily. This includes healthcare, energy costs, and real estate.

The question for debate is:

When the average American employee negotiates his or her pay increase next year, what percent increase will represent maintaining the same standard of living as in 2005?

Support your answers with some statistical evidence.

When the average American employee negotiates his or her pay increase next year, what percent increase will represent maintaining the same standard of living as in 2005?

Support your answers with some statistical evidence.

It is my understanding that the raise I would need, to maintain my standard of living, would have to meet the rate of inflation. Based on the historical inflation rates, I voted for 3%.

Current Inflation (see the chart halfway down)

The average inflation for 2005 (January through August) was 3.10%
The average inflation for the last 12 months (Sept 04 to Aug 05) was 3.07%

I guess I would be between .07% and .10% short, but 3% represents the closest rate I should be looking for.