Facebook HR also got the same question (with the same answer) in the company-wide forum this week. Did I miss some big news story that’s causing this to be on everybody’s mind recently?

It isn't one specific thing. It is just an entire year of shortages and higher prices with no end in sight. I was promoted and received a decent raise this year. With previous raises outside the standard yearly raise, there was a difference. With this one, just treading water.

This was years ago at Google. This question is not new

If that's truly the case then they would pay the same salary regardless of location. Do they? A lot of big employers have proudly said no, they'd pay remote workers less if they're in cheaper locations.

Developers in low cost of living regions demand less money, so they're paid less. Sounds like Google is doing exactly what they said.

I'm not sure that's currently the case, what with the move to long term remote work. Do you have data showing workers demanding less pay after moving to cheaper areas while retaining the same position in the same organization?

It is hard to say how remote work impacts this.

Most companies are still requiring onsite. Even apple (one of the most innovative companies) still wants employees onsite.

FAANGs paying them less is all the data you need. If they thought they could get more they'd leave.