Living wage in Metro Vancouver reaches $25.68 an hour

The living wage needed to make ends meet for the average worker in Metro Vancouver has reached $25.68 an hour, a six percent increase over last year.

Living Wage refers to how much a person needs to earn to cover necessities such as food, rental housing, transportation, and childcare.

The Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives and Living Wage for Families has calculated the hourly wage based on the income needed by two parents working full-time to support their family.

Metro Vancouver households are spending $4,000 more for the same basket of goods this year than in 2022, the report says, while rent is up $411 a year, while food costs are up $68 or more per month or 6.6 percent have increased.