Calgary's Living Wage Up: The Reality Behind Alberta's Cost of Living
Calgary's Living Wage Jumps, Canmore's Past Figures Stir Debate
Recent discussions highlight the stark realities of earning a living wage in Alberta's key communities. Calgary's latest living wage, announced at $26.50 per hour, significantly outpaces the provincial minimum, prompting residents to question the affordability of city life.
This $26.50 figure, representing the hourly amount needed to cover basic expenses in Calgary as of November 2025, stands a substantial $11.50 above Alberta's stagnant $15.00 minimum wage, which has not changed since 2018. The comparison underscores the financial pressure on individuals and families navigating rising costs.
Meanwhile, an eye-catching $38.80 per hour figure for Canmore has circulated, illustrating the perceived difficulty of "mountain living." However, this number, while reflecting a challenging reality, stems from data published in November 2023 and is approximately two years old. It's also important to note that Canmore has since opted out of future living wage surveys, focusing instead on existing affordable service programs. The gap between what many earn and what it truly costs to live remains a pressing concern across the province.
