ON · Data to August 2026

Cost of living in Ontario

In the 12 months to August 2026, grocery prices in Ontario changed +2.7%, shelter costs +0.1% and all consumer prices +2.4%. The average hourly wage changed +0.8% to $37.92.

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Are wages keeping up?

12 months to August 2026

Grocery prices
+2.7%
Average hourly wage
+0.8%
+1.9 ptsCost pressure · grocery prices are ahead of wages

Food prices in Ontario, July 2026

Average retail prices in Ontario compared with the Canada average, July 2026
ProductONCanadaDifference
Ground beef 1 kg$16.63$16.49+$0.14
Chicken breasts 1 kg$14.26$14.68−$0.42
Whole chicken 1 kg$6.88$7.62−$0.74
Bacon 500 g$6.57$6.97−$0.40
Canned tuna 170 g$1.93$1.84+$0.09
Milk 4 L$6.88$6.99−$0.11
Butter 454 g$5.91$5.92−$0.01
Block cheese 500 g$7.11$7.11$0.00
Eggs 1 dozen$5.00$4.95+$0.05
Apples 1 kg$6.33$6.45−$0.12
Bananas 1 kg$1.70$1.88−$0.18
Potatoes 4.54 kg$4.51$5.32−$0.81
Tomatoes 1 kg$4.71$4.98−$0.27
Carrots 1.36 kg$4.69$4.75−$0.06
Romaine lettuce 1 head$3.40$3.45−$0.05
White bread 675 g$3.23$3.60−$0.37
Pasta 500 g$3.43$3.45−$0.02
Cereal 400 g$4.14$4.19−$0.05
Coffee 340 g$9.52$9.54−$0.02
Peanut butter 1 kg$5.62$5.62$0.00