CostWatch.caCanada · Data to August 2026
In the 12 months to August 2026, consumer prices in Canada changed +3.0%, groceries +2.8% and shelter +1.5%. The average hourly wage changed +2.0%.
Ten-year view
Index, August 2016 = 100
Since August 2016, the average hourly wage in Canada has risen 41.7% and grocery prices 40.6%. Wages have kept ahead of grocery prices over the decade.
| Month | Average hourly wage | Groceries | Shelter | All consumer prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2016 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| August 2017 | 102.0 | 100.3 | 101.3 | 101.4 |
| August 2018 | 104.2 | 100.6 | 103.7 | 104.3 |
| August 2019 | 107.6 | 104.5 | 106.2 | 106.3 |
| August 2020 | 114.4 | 106.2 | 107.8 | 106.4 |
| August 2021 | 116.6 | 108.9 | 113.0 | 110.8 |
| August 2022 | 122.2 | 120.7 | 120.5 | 118.6 |
| August 2023 | 128.3 | 129.1 | 127.8 | 123.3 |
| August 2024 | 134.7 | 132.2 | 134.6 | 125.7 |
| August 2025 | 139.0 | 136.8 | 138.0 | 128.0 |
| August 2026 | 141.7 | 140.6 | 140.2 | 131.9 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0004-01, Table 14-10-0063-01Updated by CostWatch: September 27, 2026Calculated by CostWatch using Statistics Canada data.Adapted from Statistics Canada Table 18-10-0004-01, Table 14-10-0063-01, August 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.
Jobs and pay
August 2026
Over the 12 months to August 2026, the average hourly wage changed +2.0% and consumer prices +3.0%, so pay lost 1.0 points to prices. Rates are seasonally adjusted, for people aged 15 and over.
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 14-10-0287-01, Table 14-10-0371-01, Table 14-10-0063-01, Table 18-10-0004-01Updated by CostWatch: September 27, 2026Calculated by CostWatch using Statistics Canada data.Adapted from Statistics Canada Table 14-10-0287-01, Table 14-10-0371-01, Table 14-10-0063-01, Table 18-10-0004-01, August 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.
Food
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0004-01Updated by CostWatch: September 27, 2026Adapted from Statistics Canada, Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted, August 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.
Gasoline
Regular, Canada average, August 2026: +22.7% in 12 months.
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0001-01Updated by CostWatch: September 27, 2026Adapted from Statistics Canada, Monthly average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by geography, August 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.
Then vs now
July 2017 to July 2026: +35.3%.
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0245-01, Table 14-10-0063-01Updated by CostWatch: September 27, 2026Calculated by CostWatch using Statistics Canada data.Adapted from Statistics Canada Table 18-10-0245-01, Table 14-10-0063-01, July 2026. This does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada of this product.