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Summary

Here's How Much You Need To Make To Afford Living In Ontario's Cheapest Regions

Spoiler Alert: It's still over minimum wage.
Ontario Living Wage Is The Cheapest In These Regions
Bob Hilscher | Dreamstime
Contributing Writer

Being able to afford to live off minimum wage isn't something that is possible for most people, according to the Ontario Living Wage Network. 

In fact, even the cost of living in the province's cheapest regions is still more than the current minimum wage. 

Editor's Choice: Ontario's Cheapest Real Estate Market Has Homes For Sale That Are Actually Under $160K

$15.84 The living wage in the Muskoka Region as of 2016

While Ontario's minimum wage is currently at $14.25 an hour, OLWN states that even budget-friendly spots like Muskoka still need residents earning higher than that. 

According to their website, those who live in Sault Ste. Marie need to earn around $16.16 an hour, and anyone in London needs $16.20 an hour. 

Meanwhile, those who live in Thunder Bay need around $16.21. 

Even folks in the Muskoka Region, which is considered the cheapest region, need $15.84 an hour to be earning a living wage. 

OLWN reports that a living wage is calculated "based on the needs of a family of four" with two adults each working full-time.

It calculates how much a family would need to "cover their basic expenses and participate in their community."

Last week, a Toronto brewery became a certified Living Wage Employer after bumping its minimum pay to $22.08 an hour.  

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  • Patrick John Gilson

    Contributing Writer

    Patrick John Gilson (he/him) is a Contributing Writer with Narcity Media. He is a pro at ensuring his content is both exciting and tailored to millennials. He specializes in breaking news and investigative stories that require him to be on scene— something he enjoys and thrives in.

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