to maintain the same standard of living she would need an 8% increase in salary

50000 x 8% = 4000 so the salary would need to be 50000 + 4000 = 54000

Marla Opper currently earns $50,000 a year and is offered a job in another city for $56,000. The city she would move to has 8 percent higher living expenses than her current city.

Calculate the amount required in the new city for comparable living expenses

I have been stuck on this question for the longest time. I thought I needed the Geographic buying power formula : Index number X salary/ Index number. So, I was trying to figure out how to get the index numbers because in my book it is EXTREMELY vague. But I am not even sure I need those. The question kind of makes little sense to me because how am I supposed to compare the cost of living if I don't know the cost of living in City 1. I mean, there must be a formula or something out there - or I am just not getting this formula right, but if ANYONE can help me. That would be great. I have not been able to find anything online or in my book.

Thank you