The living wage in Calgary is nearly $10 higher than minimum wage
A new report has found that Calgary’s living wage is now $24.45 per hour, nearly $10 higher than Alberta’s minimum wage.
The 2024 Living Wage report, released today by Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) and the Alberta Living Wage Network, found that Calgary’s living wage is now 63% higher than the minimum wage, with rising housing and food costs contributing to the gap.
Food prices in Calgary have risen by 10%, while shelter costs have increased by $2,000 annually. Compared to Edmonton, Calgarians are spending $3,300 to $4,500 more on housing annually.
“This year’s living wage highlights how government policies can impact affordability,” said Meaghon Reid, executive director of VCC.
“Lower childcare costs and electricity rates have helped, but rising housing and food costs are forcing many Calgarians to skip meals or live in overcrowded, unsafe conditions. Albertans deserve better, and the time to act is now.”
A living wage is the hourly income needed to cover basic expenses and achieve a modest standard of living after factoring in taxes and government transfers.
The calculation considers three household types: a two-parent family with two children, a one-parent family with one child, and a single person working full-time.
While every other province and territory saw an increase in the minimum wage this year, Alberta’s last increase came on October 1, 2018.
The province’s $15-an-hour minimum wage was once the highest in Canada but is now tied with Saskatchewan as the lowest.
Minimum wage jobs are vital to the workforce, as they provide staffing for businesses and services that operate during daytime hours when students are typically in classrooms.
According to the report, 48% of Albertans living on a minimum wage are older than 24.
The full living wage report can be found here.