Here are the highest and lowest living wages across Alberta

Living wages across Alberta are on the rise, with most communities now requiring more than $20 per hour to cover basic living expenses.

According to the Alberta Living Wage Network’s annual report, 15 of 21 communities that were calculated saw an increase in suggested living wages. 

Medicine Hat saw the lowest wage needed to make a living at $18.15 per hour, followed by Cold Lake ($19.10), Drayton Valley ($20.35), and Red Deer ($20.65).

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Jasper requires the highest minimum wage to make a living at $31.80, followed by Airdrie ($29), Calgary ($26.50) and St. Albert ($25.60).

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“Rising housing, transportation, child care, and food costs are negatively impacting affordability and this rise shows how hard it is for many Albertans to get by,” the report states.

Even with Medicine Hat’s living wage at $18.15 per hour, there remains a significant gap between what workers need and Alberta’s minimum wage.

At $15 per hour, Alberta’s minimum wage is the lowest in the country and has not increased since 2018.

The 2025 living wages for Alberta are as follows:

• Medicine Hat $18.15
• Cold Lake $19.10
• Drayton Valley $20.35
• Red Deer $20.65
• Barrhead $21.55
• Lloydminster $21.65
• Grande Prairie $21.80
• Rocky Mountain House $21.85
• Brooks $22
• Edmonton $22.30
• Lethbridge $22.30
• Bonnyville $22.15
• Fort McMurray $23
• High River $23.40
• Spruce Grove $23.70
• Stony Plain $24.30
• St. Albert $25.60
• Calgary $26.50
• Airdrie $29.00
• Jasper $31.80

The living wage is defined as the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in the community. The calculation considers the hourly rate of pay required for a household to maintain a modest standard of living, once government transfers have been added and taxes have been subtracted. It assumes that each adult is working full-time hours and includes more than the basics of food, clothing, and shelter – it also takes into account unexpected costs, small investments in education, child care, and participation in the community.

“It reflects the real cost of living in each community and the belief that everyone deserves to live with dignity,” the report states.

With files from Peter Klein

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