United Way Perth-Huron has set its living wage of $22.75 per hour, up for $20.70 last year.
The living wage is based on a 35 hour work week, calculated using local data and considered the living expenses of a weighted average of three family types including a family of four, a single mother supporting a seven year old child and a single adult once government transfers and deductions are taken into account.
Included in the calculation are everyday expenses such as food, housing, utilities, clothing, childcare and transportation.
Kristin Crane, Director of Social Research & Planning says with the cost of living rising, its becoming more important than ever to talk about how we can make our region more livable.