Calgary may still be considered one of Canada’s more “affordable” major cities, but new data shows the cost of living is rising quickly. According to a recent update from the City of Calgary Living Wage Network (via UrbaCalgary), residents now need to earn at least $26.50 per hour to maintain a basic, reasonable standard of living in the city.
This new threshold highlights what many Albertans are already feeling: groceries, rent, transportation, and childcare continue outpacing wages, even in cities people often move to for better affordability.
Calgary’s Living Wage Increased Again in 2025
The updated living wage represents a $2 jump from last year, reflecting rising monthly expenses across the board. The data shows notable differences depending on household type:
- Single adults: $26.79/hr
- Single parents: $36.52/hr
- Two-parent households: $24.64/hr
- Airdrie: $29/hr
- Jasper: $31.80/hr
With Alberta’s minimum wage still at $15/hr, the gap between what people earn and what they actually need to survive has now widened to 77 percent.
For many households, that shortfall works out to roughly $400 per week just to cover essentials.
Why the Increase Matters
The new threshold reflects the growing pressures of:
- Higher food prices
- Rent increases and limited availability
- Rising transportation and insurance costs
- Childcare expenses outpacing wage growth
Calgary has often been viewed as a more affordable alternative to Toronto or Vancouver, but the new data challenges that perception.
As UrbaCalgary put it:
Calgary is still “affordable” compared to Vancouver and Toronto, but only in the same way a cracked iPhone is “affordable” compared to a brand new one.
What This Means for Canadians Considering a Move
For Ontarians or other Canadians relocating west in search of lower costs:
- Calgary remains cheaper than Canada’s two most expensive cities
- But the gap is narrowing
- Households still need strong wages to keep up with rising living costs
- Renting or buying is only “affordable” relative to the most expensive markets
Housing affordability remains better than much of Ontario, but cost pressures are growing quickly.
Source: Global News – “Calgary’s living wage now at more than $26 per hour, according to report” (Nov 13 2025)
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