Compensating Differential - Geographical Wage Differentials

Geographical Wage Differentials

There is a wide literature dealing with geographical wage differentials. Following the neoclassical assumption of clearing labour markets, where there is a more attractive area to live in and if labour mobility is perfect, then more and more workers will move to this area which in turn will increase the supply of labour in this area and in turn depress wages. If the attractiveness of that area compared to other areas do not change, the wage rate will be set at such a rate that workers would be indifferent between living in areas that are more attractive but with a lower wage and living in areas which are more attractive and with a higher wage. Henceforth, a sustained equilibrium with different wage rates across different areas can happen .