With reference to learning "local cost of living," I would
point out (as a shameless library pusher) that the Dept of
Labor publishes C of L figures for a whole host of areas across
the U. S. As I dimly recall, these are biennial, and arrayed by
SMSA. Apologies to those non-U.S. listers, who find our
insularity parochial.
The Ref desk at a local public or academic library ought to be
able to get these for you, or better, show you how to find
them for yourself, thus liberating you.
Henry Grunder
Conservation/Preservation Coordinator
The Library of Virginia

According to Corazon Llarena:
>
> >From what I've read in Adviso, job postings, etc. starting salaries for
> Museum Educators range from $18,000 - 25,000  depending on experience.
>
> My classmates and I, with a Masters in Museum Education and an average
> of 2 - 3 years of experience (both in museums and classrooms), have
> managed to land jobs with salaries ranging in the low - mid 20's.
>
> Keep in mind your area's cost of living and that food, clothing, and
> safe shelter are important basic human needs.
>
>
> - Mia Llarena
>