For immediate release
Calgary, AB – November 13, 2025: Today, Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC), in collaboration with the Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN), released Calgary’s new living wage of $26.50 per hour, a $2 increase from last year.
A living wage represents the hourly wage a worker needs to cover their basic expenses and maintain a modest standard of living, after government transfers and taxes are added.
“This year’s living wage shows both the progress and the pressure Calgarians are experiencing,” said Dani DeBoice, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary. “Transportation, child care, and food costs continue to climb, but housing costs have begun to stabilize—a sign that effective government policies make a difference. A living wage is one of the clearest indicators of affordability, and it reminds us that when governments, businesses, and communities work together, we can build a city where everyone has enough to live well.”
“Our work has always been about supporting kids and caring for our community in meaningful ways,” said Bethany Ross, Executive Director, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids. “Being a Living Wage Employer reflects our values around people and our belief that everyone should be treated with dignity. When our staff are supported and appreciated, they bring their best selves to supporting kids every day. Caring for our team helps us care better for our community—it’s all part of working together to make sure kids have the food they need to thrive.”
Small businesses face growing pressure to balance fair pay with financial realities. In response, Be Local partnered with the Alberta Living Wage Network and Vibrant Communities Calgary on a six-month pilot to support cleaning companies to move toward paying a living wage. Four founder-led businesses participated, setting goals and accessing financial and business advisors and peer-mentors. By the end of the program, one was a certified living-wage employer, and two were on track to pay living wages by the end of 2025, benefiting more than 50 employees overall.
“At Clean Club Calgary, fair living wages are a sound business decision,” said Judith Virag, Founder of Clean Club Calgary, one of the program participants and a newly certified living wage employer. “Living wages strengthen employee retention, boost morale, and ensure our team can meet their needs without financial stress. Profitability matters, but long-term success depends on how we treat our people, and paying a living wage is central to that.”
Today, 21 Alberta municipalities published their living wages. This work is coordinated by the ALWN, in collaboration with municipalities across the province.
"Each year, we work with communities across Alberta to update their living wage calculations and gain insight into what it costs to live in this province,” said Ryan Lacanilao, Coordinator with the Alberta Living Wage Network. “As the cost of living rises in many communities, we’re so grateful for the employers who commit to paying a living wage. A living wage means healthier workers and sustainable local economies, which contribute to vibrant communities where people can thrive.”
Calgary’s living wage is now 77% higher than Alberta’s minimum wage.
Quick facts:
- A living wage reflects what people need to earn to cover living costs in their community. The living wage is calculated using a consistent, transparent methodology applied across Alberta and Canada to provide a reliable picture of local affordability.
- Calgary’s 2025 living wage of $26.50 per hour is over $2 per hour higher than the 2024 living wage. Earning a living wage would mean an extra $400 each week in the pockets of Calgary’s lowest-paid workers, helping them cover basic needs, support their families, and contribute to the local economy.
- Shelter costs have stabilized. Calgarians saw a year-over-year increase of about $190 in shelter costs, compared to about $2,000 last year. This positive change can likely be attributed to higher housing supply and policies such as the City of Calgary’s Home is Here and Alberta’s Stronger Foundation’s housing strategies.
- Transportation, child care, and food costs are up. On average, Calgarians are paying up to 52% more for transportation, about $1,000 more on child care, and 6% more for food in 2025.
- Government policies matter. The introduction of Alberta’s 8% personal income tax rate and the federal Canada Dental Plan are two examples of government policies that have saved Calgarians money in 2025.
Resources:
- Learn more about Calgary’s living wage and how we calculate it.
- 21 municipalities in Alberta released their living wages today.
- Learn about the economic and social impact of the living wage movement in Calgary.
- Learn more about Calgary’s Living Wage Pilot Program, which is helping small businesses move toward paying a living wage.
About Vibrant Communities Calgary
Vibrant Communities Calgary stewards Calgary's poverty reduction strategy Enough for All, advocating for policy and systems-level changes that address the root cause of poverty in our city. Working collaboratively with stakeholders and partners, Vibrant Communities Calgary actively promotes poverty reduction efforts in Calgary. For more information, visit enoughforall.ca or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky, Facebook, and TikTok.
About the Alberta Living Wage Network
The Alberta Living Wage Network is a network of community organizations and municipalities with the goal of advancing a coordinated living wage movement in Alberta. The network assists communities in their annual living wage calculation and has certified more than 100 living wage employers in the province. For more information visit livingwagealberta.ca and follow @livingwageab on Twitter or Instagram.
