New Living Wage Data October 2022 Covers 142 Countries - November 9, 2022

On the ground and online

Data collection for this release took place in July, August and September through two methods. 137 data collectors conducted on-ground and web-shop surveys across these regions. They did so through tablets, smartphones, and computers. Additionally, visitors to WageIndicator’s websites also provide data on the costs of these goods and services in their regions. In some cases, external datasets (such as Numbeo) were used. This way, WageIndicator could prepare large-scale and accurate global databases.

Data was gathered for a specified basket of goods that estimated the cost of all necessities needed for a decent life. This included prices for three different types of housing (including energy and other housing-related expenditure), 68 different food items, transport costs, 13 occupational items, healthcare, and 4 product groups pertaining to personal and household care. Cumulatively, 5,183,840 prices for different products or services were used to calculate Living Wages for all countries and regions. Goods and services in each region’s baskets were adjusted to reflect local consumption habits, providing an accurate estimate of the cost of living.

Data from these surveys was fed into WageIndicator’s Cost of Living application. The survey results were then cleaned and analysed to tabulate the Living Wages for individuals, standard families and typical families.

Cost of Living increases

October’s release shows slight changes in the Living Wages for 75% of countries and a significant change in 25% of countries. These changes have occurred either due to changes in inflation or due to improved data collection and calculation. Approximately 2/3rd of all countries displayed an increase in the cost of living and therefore in Living Wages, while 1/3rd saw it decrease.

These Living Wage databases are used in several ways. Major multinational corporations use it to ensure that employees across their supply chains are paid fair wages. WageIndicator provides them with customised datasets as per their requirements, and can also assist them in implementing Living Wages throughout their supply chain. To minimise the volatility caused by inflation in any quarter, a single average for the year is calculated. This helps brands estimate wage rates throughout their supply chain precisely.

WageIndicator further uses Living Wage data in other labour-related databases. It is also used in the Global Labour Risk Index to paint a holistic picture of labour conditions in a country.

Interested in implementing WageIndicator's Living Wages in your organisation, using data that is updated every quarter? Learn about the database options and rates and the countries and regions covered. For academic use, data on Living Wages and the cost of living can be acquired for free.