How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Canada? The age-old question is back in the spotlight after recent data from Statistics Canada revealed that average weekly earnings across the country rose in 2025.
This comes while the cost of living continues to climb across housing, groceries and gas prices, with Canadians seeing their earnings fall short.
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Canadian wages are up — but what does that mean in real terms?
The latest data from Statistics Canada revealed that average weekly salary for Canadians soared to $1,302 in June 2025. That marked a 3.7-per-cent year-over-year increase with the upward trend also continually seen on a month-over-month basis recently.
The hourly wage has also seen an increase over the years with the 2024 average in Canada at $35.20 — a 5 per cent increase from 2019 following inflation adjustment and an 18 per cent gain since 2006.
What constitutes an average salary is closely tied to the regional cost of living and varies from province to province.
While the national averages are climbing, the picture varies deeply by region. Statistics Canada’s Job Vacancy and Wage Survey reveals that average hourly wages range from $30 in Manitoba to over $43 in Ontario and British Columbia.
In some areas, earnings are reportedly higher, such as the Northwest Territories — where the per hour rate averages north of $59.52. However, in remote regions expenses are also much higher. So, a bigger paycheque doesn’t necessarily mean more financial comfort.
Cost of living: The growing squeeze
On the other hand, Canadians face more steep living expenses. According to this report, a single person needs between $2,800 to $4,500 per month, depending on where they live and their lifestyle, to cover basic expenses. That range is closer to between $5,000 and $8,000 for a family of four with ballooning housing, childcare and transportation driving costs factored in.
More specific data suggests in order to cover comfortable living standards, the household income for a family of four should fall between $85,000 and $120,000 annually — peaking higher in cities like Toronto and mid-range in the Maritimes.
What’s your biggest monthly expense right now? How has the cost of living affected your financial planning this year? Share your views on the issue in our Google Form.
More on wages and the cost of living:
Canadians preparing for retirement believe they need one million dollars to retire comfortably
This is the average wage in Canada and here’s how Ontario compares to every other province
Kevin O’Leary reveals why Americans are fleeing to Canada
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Joy Joshi is a senior editor and writer at Yahoo News Canada.