2025 Living Wage Report Marks 10 Years of Tracking Whitehorse’s Cost of Living
Whitehorse, Yukon – The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC) is releasing the 10th annual Living Wage Report today. This report shows that the cost of living in Whitehorse continues to rise sharply—and that many Yukoners are struggling to cover the basics.
This year’s living wage for a two person household with two children is $25.91 per hour per adult—a 14% increase from 2024, and a 41.7% increase since 2022, when the rate was $18.28. A single person now needs $31.22 per hour, and a newly included single-parent household requires $33.95 per hour to meet basic needs.
“This is the tenth year we’ve done this calculation, and the story it tells is increasingly urgent,” said Keitha Clark, Project Coordinator. “The cost of living in Whitehorse is rising faster than incomes, and it’s hitting low- and modest-income households the hardest. The fact that someone can work full-time and still fall short of covering the basics is a clear sign that our systems need to change.”
Good Policy Narrows the Gap
The report makes clear that the living wage is not just about wages—it’s a reflection of how public policy impacts affordability. When governments invest in affordable childcare, housing, health care, and public transportation, the cost of living goes down—and the gap between the minimum wage and the living wage narrows.
“This report shows clearly where those supports are working—and where they’re falling short, especially for single households, who receive fewer targeted benefits.” Kendall Hammond, report author.
According to the report, rent and utilities now cost a two-parent family more than $31,000 per year, while the cost of food has increased by nearly 4%—further limiting access to healthy diets and increasing food insecurity.
Yukon’s minimum wage remains at $17.94 per hour, which is now more than $13 below what a single parent needs to get by.
Join Us: Living Wage BBQ & Report Launch
YAPC invites the public to a free community BBQ and report launch:
Thursday, July 10, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
509 Hanson Street, Whitehorse
Drop in to learn more about the findings, connect with others, and be part of the conversation about affordability in our community.
About the Living Wage
The living wage represents the hourly income needed to cover basic expenses like shelter, food, transportation, and child care—based on a modest standard of living. The calculation follows a nationally standardized method, using local cost data and factoring in government transfers and taxes.
Media Briefing
A media briefing will take place on July 10 at 10:30 a.m. at 509 Hanson Street.
Media Contacts:
Keitha Clark YAPC Project Coordinator
Kendall Hammond, Report Author