In Ontario, the legal provincial minimum wage ($17.20) is far below the living wage ($21.67) as calculated by the Ontario Living Wage Network.
The living wage is what you need to live based on a standard set of goods and services. If you’re struggling with the cost of living in Ontario, you’re definitely not alone.
From a living wage in Canada to the Ontario living wage, here’s a look at the actual cost of living for real Canadians across the Ontario region.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of living in Ontario is rising steadily, even as inflation cools.
- The Ontario living wage is $21.67.
- The Ontario legal minimum wage is $17.20.
- Costs are projected to continue increasing into 2025.
What is the living wage in Ontario?
As of 2024, the average living wage in Ontario is $21.67. Assuming an average of 2,087 work hours per calendar year, this equates to an annual salary of $45,000.
Regionally, it ranges from $26 per hour in the Greater Toronto Area to $19.50 in Southwest Ontario, according to the Ontario Living Wage Network.
A living wage is the hourly wage you need to earn to cover the actual costs of living in your community:
- Shelter
- Food
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Medical expenses
There is no place in Ontario where the provincial minimum wage, $17.20, matches the living wage.
Ontario living wage 2025 update
Though inflation slowed in 2024, the cost of living in Ontario continues to rise this year primarily due to increasing food and rent prices.
Data reveals that actual wages are not keeping pace with living wages in Ontario, even though the living wage in Ontario rose 3.4% last year,
Feed Ontario's Hunger Report 2024 says that the province has hit record-high food bank use. It also says that workers are the fastest-growing demographic of the province's food banks – 17% more than in 2023 and 91% more than before the pandemic.
The Toronto Star reported that, in the GTA, workers would need a 46% raise in order to meet the living wage from last year.
In good news, about 870 Ontario workplaces have been certified by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN). In a CBC interview, one employer who raised wages reported positive effects like lower turnover and a better reputation for the company.
How is inflation impacting the living wage?
Inflation is a major factor in pushing up the living wage. Though inflation has cooled slightly in Ontario, the cost of living (food, housing, utilities, etc) is still much higher now than it was last year.
Remember, slower inflation means prices are rising less quickly, not decreasing or stabilizing.
Ontario living wage by region
Below, we can see how the living wage in Ontario has increased over the last two years by region. Record-breaking inflation is a major contributor to this rise.
The Toronto, Grey-Bruce, and Ottawa regions have the highest living wages in the province, between $26 to $22.80. For most others, it ranges between $19 and $21. The London, Elgin & Oxford region requires the lowest living wage to afford a basic lifestyle.
| Region | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $25.05 | $26.00 |
| Grey Bruce Perth Huron Simcoe | $22.75 | $23.05 |
| Ottawa | $21.95 | $22.80 |
| East | $20.60 | $21.65 |
| Dufferin Guelph Wellington Waterloo | $20.90 | $21.30 |
| Hamilton | $20.80 | $21.30 |
| Brant Haldimand Norfolk Niagara | $20.35 | $20.90 |
| North | $19.80 | $20.30 |
| Southwest | $18.65 | $19.85 |
| London Elgin Oxford | $18.85 | $19.50 |
For a complete list, see: Updated 2024 Living Wage Rates.
Living wage vs. minimum wage Ontario
Minimum wage in Ontario:
- $17.20, effective October 1, 2024
- Legally required by the provincial government
- Tied to inflation, usually changes annually
All employers are legally required to pay minimum wage as mandated by the provincial government. It is tied to inflation in Ontario.
There's also the federal minimum wage to consider – this applies to federally regulated industries and workplaces, such as those in the radio broadcasting industry and federal public servants.
The federal minimum wage rate was raised to $17.75 on April 1, 2025. It's slightly higher than the provincial wage but still doesn't reach the livable wage requirement.
Living wage in Ontario:
- $21.66, as calculated by OLWN
- Not legally required
- Based on the actual cost of living
A living wage is the wage needed to live a basic, comfortable life and participate more fully in the community in each region. It’s based on a set basket of goods and services and a 35-hour work week.
No Ontarian region has a living wage that’s close to the minimum wage.
As an example, Toronto is often cited as one of the least affordable cities in North America. Torontonians earn a minimum wage of $17.20 per hour, which is $8.80 less than what’s needed to cover basic living expenses.
What is the average salary in Ontario?
According to Statistics Canada, the average salary in Ontario is around $71,700. The average hourly wage is $36.14. However, these numbers vary widely by industry and by sub-region.
Industry: In 2024, the average wage for those in the utilities sector was $57.13 per hour, while those in the accommodation and food services sector made $20.49 per hour. Wages are usually higher for positions that require more training. This is true for most places, not just Ontario.
Sub-region: The Rural Ontario Facts Income Factsheet shows that the median household income in rural areas is $77,000, while in urban areas it soars to $101,000. For example, the median income in Nipissing in 2020 was $37,000, but it's $50,000 in Ottawa.
What is an Ontario Living Wage employer?
An Ontario Living Wage employer is a business that has signed an agreement and paid a certification fee to prove that it pays all of its employees, including contract and direct staff, the living wage in its region.
Find a list of Ontario’s certified employers on the Living Wage Employers Map.
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What is the living wage in London, Ontario?
As of November 2024, the living wage in London, Ontario, is $19.50 per hour. This is a stark contrast to the $17.20 per hour rate for provincial minimum wage, which isn't expected to go up until October 2025.
What is the average living wage in Ontario?
Using the latest report from November 2024, the average living wage in Ontario is $21.67 per hour – about 3.34% higher than in 2023. This is considerably higher than the provincial minimum wage of $17.20 per hour.
What is a livable salary in Ontario?
Assuming a living wage hourly rate of $21.67 and 2,087 work hours per calendar year, a livable annual salary in Ontario is about $45,000 per year. However, this does vary by specific regions and demographics.
What is a good hourly wage in Ontario?
The average hourly wage in Ontario is about $36.14, which is higher than the average national rate of $34.75. The average hourly rate for women is $33.76 per hour, and men earn $38.52 per hour.
Is 70k a good salary in Ontario?
$70,000 is considered a good salary in Ontario and is significantly higher than the livable annual salary. Of course, Ontario demographics vary so widely, this might not actually be adequate for families of certain sizes in certain areas.
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