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

Spoiler Alert: It's still over minimum wage.
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.  

  • 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.

Ontario's cheapest cities were revealed and you could save $26,000/year by leaving Toronto

Here's what income you need for a "comfortable" life in 36 cities across Ontario. 👇

Here's how much it actually costs to live in Toronto vs. 9 other spots in Ontario

You could save over $11K a year by moving an hour and a half away. 👀

Ontario is home to a mini Grand Canyon and it's a breathtaking spot to explore

You don't need to travel to Arizona for stunning canyon views.

19 products at Costco that are worth buying even if you live alone

Both name-brand and Kirkland Signature items get you a lot of bang for your buck. 🛒

You're not a true Ontarian unless you've been to at least 5 of these 12 natural wonders

How many of these have you crossed off your Ontario bucket list?