The Ontario Living Wage Network’s 2025 calculations show an average living wage increase across our 10 regions of 5.3%, reflecting a higher increase compared to the 2024 rate announcement last year. This is reflective of increased accuracy of rental costs being included in the calculation.

As expected, the Greater Toronto Area continues to have the highest living wage rate at $27.20, up from $26.00, although this increase is not as steep as other regions. The Southwest region that includes Windsor and Essex Counties has the highest jump of +8.3 per cent, from $19.85 to $21.50 Despite the annual October 1st increase to the provincial minimum wage to $17.60, there is still no place in Ontario where you could work full-time and cover all your expenses.

Read the full report on how we determined these rates:

ontariolivingwage.ca/documentation