The living wage for Prince George and the Cariboo region inched a little bit higher in 2025.
It now sits at $23.15 per hour, a one percent spike when compared to the previous year.
The wage is the hourly amount a worker must earn to cover essentials, avoid chronic financial stress and participate in their community
Housing, food and childcare remain the largest and fastest growing expenses with rent increases outpacing inflation and food security worsening across B.C.
Rental prices are up 3.9% and food costs are up 3.6% in the PG-Cariboo region.
In addition, a $5.30 gap between the 2025 living wage and BC’s current minimum wage of $17.85 per hour exists.
Nearly 1 in 3 workers in the province earn less than the living wage – the minimum needed to cover basic expenses.
Jobs in food service, retail and agriculture are among the lowest paid
The report is calling on Prince George to join Victoria and Burnaby to become Living Wage Employer as well as support the development of more affordable housing and better transit so that some workers don’t have to take on the cost of a car.
Currently, there are over 450 certified living wage employers across the province, including six in the Prince George-Cariboo region that have stepped up to pay both direct and contract employees wages sufficient to support families.
The living wage employers include:
- City of Quesnel
- Resonant Strategic
- Integris Credit Union
Whistler has the highest living wage in the province at $29.60 while Metro Vancouver is a little bit less at $27.85.
In Kamloops it rose to $24.45, while Kitimat, is $27.25.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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