Benchmark Comparison

Benchmarks are basically points of reference for comparing and helping people understand data by providing a structure for comparison. For example, determining progress against a goal or a standard. Using a benchmark allows for a quicker understanding of data by providing context, advancing it.

A dot plot from an article titled, “Where can Americans afford to live solo in 2025?” sourced from economist, compares median wages across U.S. cities to an “affordable-studio wage,” representing the income needed to rent a studio apartment while remaining within financial limitations. The vertical line with a dot and an upper line represents a city with the median wage and the benchmark. The benchmark represents an affordable studio wage. The line between the dot and the line displays the gap between what people usually earn in that city and what they need to afford housing. The coloring helps see the values between the data, making the benchmark look contrasted. There are two sides labeled as “Affordable” or “Unaffordable,” highlighting how each city meets or misses the goal. Since basically each city has its own benchmark, the dot plot shows more of a localized comparison than a single national standard.

This other chart that was included in the same article shown above uses a benchmark to show affordability across U.S. cities. The vertical line represents the benchmark ratio where the average wage is the wage required to afford a studio apartment without going over 30% of income. Cities shown in red to the left of this benchmark are below the affordability target; meanwhile, the right that are shown in blue are above it. The vertical line at the bottom is a benchmark, the dots that are color-coded help represent the data, to display who fell short or who could meet the goal. The chart makes the benchmark comparison easier to understand for the viewers

Sources:

Economist.com