Manitoba offers a stable, diversified economy with incomes below the national average but significantly more affordable housing than Canada’s largest cities. Winnipeg, as the provincial capital and largest city, anchors the province’s economy.
Income data on this page is from the Canada Income Survey (CIS), released by Statistics Canada in May 2025, covering the 2023 reference year — the most recent income data available. The next CIS release, with 2024 data, is expected in spring 2026.
Average and median income in Manitoba
| Metric | Amount | vs. Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Average Individual Income | $50,300 | -$5,800 |
| Median Individual Income | $40,800 | -$3,400 |
| Average Household Income | $128,500 | -$18,100 |
| Average After-Tax HHI | $105,600 | -$15,000 |
| Median Household Income | $108,600 | -$12,400 |
| Median After-Tax HHI | $93,500 | -$11,300 |
Source: Statistics Canada, Canada Income Survey, May 2025 release (2023 reference year).
Manitoba’s incomes are below the national average across all metrics, but the province’s low cost of living — particularly housing — means purchasing power is closer to the national level than gross income figures suggest. Use our salary calculator to see your Manitoba after-tax take-home pay.
Average household income in Winnipeg
| City | Average HHI | Median HHI | Avg Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | $130,200 | $109,800 | $365,000 |
Winnipeg’s household income is slightly above the provincial average, reflecting higher-paying opportunities in the city’s diversified economy.
Income vs. housing affordability in Manitoba
| City | Median HHI | Avg Home Price | Price-to-Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | $109,800 | $365,000 | 3.3× |
Winnipeg’s 3.3× price-to-income ratio is among the lowest in Canada, making it far more affordable than Toronto (7.6×) or Vancouver (9.5×). Use our mortgage affordability calculator to see what you can afford.
Key industries driving Manitoba income
- Agriculture and food processing — Manitoba is a major producer of wheat, canola, and livestock. Food processing companies like Maple Leaf Foods and Richardson International are significant employers.
- Aerospace and defence — Winnipeg is Canada’s third-largest aerospace hub, home to Boeing’s composite manufacturing centre, StandardAero, and Magellan Aerospace.
- Financial services — Great-West Lifeco (parent of Canada Life), Wawanesa Mutual Insurance, and other financial institutions are headquartered in Winnipeg.
- Government and public sector — Provincial government and large Crown corporations like Manitoba Hydro provide stable employment.
- Transportation and logistics — Winnipeg’s central location makes it a distribution hub, with CN Rail, CP Rail, and numerous trucking companies.
- Healthcare — Major hospital networks and the University of Manitoba’s medical faculty.
Manitoba’s tax environment
- PST of 7% — Combined with 5% GST for 12% total
- Provincial income tax rates — 10.8% to 17.4%, roughly mid-range nationally
- Education property tax credit — Manitoba offers a refundable education property tax credit
Manitoba’s tax burden is moderate compared to other provinces. Lower than Quebec but higher than Alberta. Calculate your exact take-home with our income tax calculator.
How Manitoba compares to other provinces
| Province | Avg Individual Income | Median Individual Income | Avg HHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $64,200 | $49,400 | $161,900 |
| Saskatchewan | $55,100 | $44,000 | $133,000 |
| Manitoba | $50,300 | $40,800 | $128,500 |
| Nova Scotia | $48,200 | $38,100 | $120,800 |
| Canada | $56,100 | $44,200 | $146,600 |
Manitoba’s combination of moderate income and affordable housing makes it an attractive option for those prioritizing homeownership and cost of living. Use our income percentile calculator to see how your income ranks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Manitoba? Manitoba’’s average full-time employment income is approximately $57,000–$62,000 — below the national average. Winnipeg, as the economic centre, has higher wages than rural Manitoba, particularly in finance, healthcare, and professional services.
Is Manitoba affordable on an average income? Relative to other provinces, yes. Winnipeg’’s average home price (~$380,000) is below national averages, and Manitoba has relatively low property taxes. However, Manitoba’’s income tax rates are moderate-to-high, and the province recently began phasing in income tax reductions. After-tax income is not dramatically higher despite lower nominal wages.
What is Manitoba’’s minimum wage? Manitoba’’s minimum wage is $15.80/hour as of 2024, one of the lower provincial minimums in Canada. At full-time hours (2,080/year), minimum wage workers earn approximately $32,800 gross before deductions.
Income by city in Manitoba
| City/Region | Average employment income |
|---|---|
| Winnipeg | ~$63,000 |
| Brandon | ~$55,000 |
| Steinbach | ~$54,000 |
| Thompson | ~$65,000 (mining premium) |
| Rural Manitoba | ~$48,000–$55,000 |
Thompson benefits from mining-sector wages. Rural Manitoba agricultural areas have high asset wealth (farmland) but lower reported employment income for owner-operators.
Cost of living context for Manitoba incomes
Manitoba’’s income levels compare favourably when cost of living is considered:
- Average home price (Winnipeg): ~$385,000
- Average rent (1-bedroom, Winnipeg): ~$1,400–$1,700/month
- Property tax: lower than BC, Ontario, but higher than some Atlantic provinces
- Groceries: near national average; northern Manitoba communities pay significantly more
The province’’s relatively low housing costs (30–40% below Ontario equivalents) make a $60,000 income in Winnipeg roughly comparable in lifestyle to $75,000–$80,000 in Toronto.