Buffer have a base rate and then an additional sum based on location. Locations are split into 4 categories depending on how expensive they are to live in. Seems like a fair way of doing it, but obviously depends on the employer.
You have to give them credit for the transparency, though. Most places would pay you less, but not tell you.
I doubt most employers would hide that they're paying you less due to where you live. Instead I think most would bring it up in negotiations hoping to use it as a means of keeping your salary low. And honestly, the argument that your salary should be adjusted based on cost of living would work on a lot of employees even though it shouldn't.
Well said and couldn't agree more.