What is a Living Wage?

What Is a Living Wage in BC?

A living wage is the hourly rate a worker needs to earn to cover basic costs like rent, food, transportation, and childcare in their community.

In British Columbia, the living wage reflects the real cost of living, helping workers and families move out of working poverty and into financial stability.

A living wage is the hourly rate a worker must earn to meet their basic expenses and participate fully in their community.

The living wage calculation is currently based on the weighted average of costs, government benefits and taxes for three different household types:

A family of four with two full-time working parents and two children aged four and seven.
A single parent with one four-year-old child.
A single adult living alone.

The living wage varies across BC based on costs in each region.

Why the Living Wage Matters in British Columbia

Across BC, many people are working full-time but still struggle to make ends meet. This is known as working poverty.

Afford basic necessities without financial stress
Support their family and well-being
Participate in community life
Maintain stability and dignity

For employers, paying a living wage can improve retention, morale, and long-term stability.

How the Living Wage Is Calculated

The living wage is based on real costs in each community. It includes:

Housing and utilities
Food
Transportation
Childcare
Healthcare expenses
Taxes and government transfers

It reflects a modest standard of living and does not include savings or debt repayment.

The living wage does not cover additional expenses such as:

Debt repayment from credit cards, loans or other interest payments
Future savings for home ownership, retirement or children’s university education
Anything beyond minimal recreation, entertainment and holiday costs
Costs of caring for a disabled, seriously ill or elderly family member

Living Wage Rates in BC

Living wage rates are calculated annually across British Columbia.

See Living Wage Rates in Your Community

Who Pays a Living Wage?

Living wage employers voluntarily commit to paying their staff and contracted workers a living wage. A living wage is an opportunity for employers to do better. A living wage calls on employers to meet a higher standard for their both staff and major contractors, to ensure that wages reflect the true costs of living in a community and that parents can earn what they need to support their families. More than 500 Living Wage Employers across BC agree and have certified with us.