The latest living wage calculations by Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) have seen the required hourly wage rise to $26.50 for 2025, up $2 from 2024.
That calculation, which is done annually by VCC, reflected cost increases in transportation, child care, and food costs.
“There are some definite changes that are leading to people needing more money to live these days,” said Dani DeBoice, executive director of Vibrant Communities Calgary.
Living wage calculations for two-parent two-child households saw an increase of $2.51 to $24.64 for 2025, single persons by $0.71 to $26.79, and $3.56 for single-parent households with one child to $36.52.
The differences in calculations were the result of the different benefits and tax credits provided to individuals, as well as the costs for childcare that could be spread over one or two persons in a household.
The average living wage was calculated using the standardized methodology of the Canadian Living Wage Framework.
DeBoice said the gap between the $15/hour minimum wage in Alberta and the living wage was the difference for many people in getting by or getting ahead.
“What we’ve been hearing from our communities is that a living wage right now is to really make the difference between getting by and truly living. It’s about being able to cover the rent, buy fresh food, and plan for the future,” she said.
“Calgary’s living wage is now 77 per cent higher than Alberta’s minimum wage, reflecting how living costs have outpaced the earnings. For many workers, paying a living wage would mean an extra $400 each week in the pockets of Calgary’s lowest-paid workers. That’s money that goes straight back into local businesses.”
The end of the carbon rebate to individuals and families, along with other decreases in government subsidies, was a factor in the rising living wage for 2025.
On the flip side, DeBoice said the Alberta Government’s lowering of personal income taxes from 10 per cent to eight per cent for the first $60,000 in income had a positive impact.
“Truly effective government policies make life more affordable, and it plays a critical role in preventing poverty and reducing the affordability pressures,” she said.
“Policies like that truly help initiatives like Calgary’s Home is Here Housing Strategy and Alberta’s Stronger Foundations Housing Strategy have contributed to moderating the housing costs. Policies like that truly help keep things affordable. Initiatives like the Canada Dental Plan help reduce out-of-pocket costs and expenses for families, so that saves Calgarians money.”
Calgary’s neighbours also saw an increase in living wage calculations for 2025.
Airdrie outpaced Calgary, with an average living wage increase of $4.70 per hour to $29. Edmonton’s living wage remained less than Calgary’s, sitting at $22.30 per hour, an increase of $1.45 over the past year.
Outside of Alberta, Calgary remained relatively affordable in comparison to other municipalities such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, while Ottawa had a lower living wage of $23.40 per hour for 2025, a modest increase of just $0.60 over the year.
For more information on the 2025 living wage, see enoughforall.ca.
