Last Updated On 5 September 2025, 5:11 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

As the cost of living in Canada continues to climb in 2025, Canadians are increasingly scrutinizing their paychecks to see if they’re keeping pace with soaring expenses.

From skyrocketing housing prices to the ever-rising cost of groceries, transportation, and daily essentials, financial pressures are mounting.

Knowing how your salary stacks up against the national and provincial averages can provide critical insights into your financial health and help you plan for a more secure future.

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the average weekly earnings across Canada have risen to $1,302 in June 2025, marking a 3.7% increase year-over-year.

This follows a 3.3% rise in May, with a modest 0.7% month-over-month gain.

But here’s the catch: while salaries are creeping up, so are living costs, and not every province is feeling the same financial relief.

Whether you’re in bustling Ontario or the remote Northwest Territories, your earnings—and how far they stretch—depend heavily on where you call home.

In this deep dive, we’ll break down the average salaries across every Canadian province and territory, explore how they compare to the rising cost of living, and reveal what it takes to stay financially afloat in 2025.

Is your salary above or below the provincial average? Let’s find out!

Canada’s Salary Landscape in 2025: A National Snapshot

Canada’s economy is showing resilience, with average weekly earnings reaching $1,302 in June 2025, translating to an annual salary of approximately $67,704 for full-time workers.

This 3.7% year-over-year increase reflects a combination of rising wages, shifts in employment types, and stable working hours.

However, regional disparities and the cost of living mean that a higher salary doesn’t always equate to greater financial freedom.

For instance, urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver offer higher wages but come with steep living costs, while provinces like Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick boast lower salaries but more affordable lifestyles.

To help you gauge where you stand, we’ve compiled the latest Statistics Canada data on average weekly and annual earnings across Canada’s provinces and territories, along with their year-over-year growth rates.

Let’s explore the numbers and see how your paycheck measures up.

Territories: High Earnings, High Costs

The northern territories lead the pack when it comes to average salaries, but the high cost of living often offsets these hefty paychecks.

Nunavut: Topping the list, Nunavut boasts average weekly earnings of $1,762.13, equating to an annual salary of $91,631.

With a robust 6.2% increase from last year, workers here enjoy some of the highest wages in Canada.

However, the extreme cost of groceries and housing in this remote region can eat into these earnings significantly.

Northwest Territories: Close behind, the Northwest Territories offer an average weekly salary of $1,737.69, or $90,360 annually.

Despite a modest 0.3% increase, the resource-driven economy—particularly mining and oil—keeps salaries high, though living costs remain a challenge.

Yukon: With average weekly earnings of $1,499.51, Yukon workers earn around $77,975 per year.

A 3.7% increase year-over-year reflects steady growth, driven by mining and tourism, but the high cost of living in this northern territory means careful budgeting is essential.

Western Canada: Resource Riches and Urban Hubs

Western Canada is home to some of the country’s most dynamic economies, with Alberta leading the provinces in average earnings.

Alberta: Known for its oil and gas sector, Alberta offers average weekly earnings of $1,369.72, translating to $71,225 annually.

A 2.8% increase from last year underscores the province’s economic strength, but rising housing costs in cities like Calgary and Edmonton can strain budgets.

British Columbia: BC’s diverse economy, spanning tech, real estate, and tourism, supports average weekly earnings of $1,304.22, or $67,819 per year.

With a 2.6% increase, salaries here are competitive, but Vancouver’s sky-high housing prices—often exceeding $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment—can make financial comfort elusive.

Saskatchewan: With average weekly earnings of $1,264.31 ($65,744 annually), Saskatchewan’s commodity-based economy, including agriculture and mining, drives solid wage growth of 3.7%.

The province’s relatively lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.

Manitoba: Manitoba’s average weekly earnings of $1,170.07 translate to $60,844 per year, with a 2.3% increase.

While salaries are lower than in Alberta or BC, more affordable housing in cities like Winnipeg helps stretch paychecks further.

Central Canada: Economic Powerhouses

Central Canada, particularly Ontario, is a hub for high-paying industries like finance, tech, and healthcare, but living costs can take a big bite out of earnings.

Ontario: As Canada’s economic engine, Ontario boasts average weekly earnings of $1,334.55, or $69,397 annually, with a 3.5% increase from last year.

However, in cities like Toronto, where one-bedroom apartment rents often exceed $2,500 and home prices hover around $1.1 million, even above-average salaries can feel stretched thin.

Quebec: Quebec’s average weekly earnings of $1,258.30 equate to $65,432 per year, with an impressive 5.1% year-over-year increase.

Strong sectors like manufacturing and tech, combined with relatively lower housing costs in cities like Montreal, make Quebec an appealing option for many workers.

Atlantic Canada: Affordable Living, Lower Salaries

The Atlantic provinces offer a more affordable cost of living, but salaries tend to lag behind the national average.

Newfoundland and Labrador: With average weekly earnings of $1,270.69 ($66,076 annually) and a 2.9% increase, this province benefits from resource industries like oil and fishing.

Lower housing costs compared to urban centers like Toronto make it easier to live comfortably.

New Brunswick: New Brunswick’s average weekly earnings of $1,194.63 translate to $62,121 per year, with a strong 5.4% increase.

Affordable housing and lower living costs make this province a hidden gem for those prioritizing financial ease.

Nova Scotia: Earning $1,147.28 per week, or $59,659 annually, Nova Scotia saw a 2.8% increase.

While salaries are modest, the lower cost of living, especially outside Halifax, helps residents maintain a decent standard of living.

Prince Edward Island: PEI has the lowest average salary at $1,144.78 per week, or $59,529 annually, but it boasts the highest year-over-year increase at 7.9%.

The province’s reliance on seasonal industries like tourism and agriculture keeps wages lower, but affordable living costs balance the equation.

How Does Your Salary Compare?

With Canada’s average annual salary at $67,704 in 2025, where does your paycheck stand?

If you’re earning above your province’s average, you’re likely in a strong position—especially in regions with lower living costs like New Brunswick or Manitoba.

However, in high-cost areas like Toronto or Vancouver, even a salary well above the national average may not feel like enough.

For example, in Ontario, an average salary of $69,397 is robust, but with Toronto’s one-bedroom apartment rents averaging $2,500 per month and home prices around $1.1 million, many workers struggle to save or invest.

In contrast, earning $59,529 in PEI might afford a more comfortable lifestyle due to lower housing and grocery costs.

The Cost of Living Factor

Salary alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

The cost of living varies dramatically across Canada, impacting how far your earnings go.

According to Numbeo’s 2025 data, Canada’s cost of living index is 58.7, making it about 41% cheaper than New York City.

However, urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver rank among the most expensive in Canada, with monthly costs for a single person ranging from $3,000 to $3,500, and $5,800 to $7,500 for a family of four.

In contrast, provinces like New Brunswick and Newfoundland offer more affordable living, with monthly costs for a single person as low as $2,000 to $2,800.

Housing is the biggest expense, with Toronto and Vancouver rents far outpacing those in smaller cities like Fredericton or St. John’s.

Groceries, transportation, and utilities also vary, with northern territories facing some of the highest costs due to their remote locations.

Is Your Salary Keeping Up?

In 2025, Canada’s average salary of $67,704 reflects a growing economy, but regional differences and living costs create a complex picture.

From Nunavut’s $91,631 to PEI’s $59,529, your financial comfort depends on both your earnings and your location.

Use this data to benchmark your salary, explore new opportunities, and make informed choices to thrive in Canada’s evolving economic landscape.

How does your paycheck stack up?

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Purnima Mann

Purnima Mann, a news writer passionate about delivering insightful and well-researched articles. From current affairs to finance and culture , I aim to inform, engage, and spark meaningful discussions. Stay informed and explore new perspectives with me.