The 2026 Living Wage Dataset is a free global database developed by Valuing Impact to estimate living wages across 217 countries and multiple household scenarios. The dataset applies the Anker and Anker methodology and combines cost-of-living, purchasing power parity and demographic data to produce comparable living wage estimates. It is designed to support analysis of labour conditions, wage adequacy and social sustainability across regions and sectors. Finance professionals may find the dataset relevant for ESG assessments, supply chain analysis and long-term social risk evaluation.

Organisation behind the tool

The dataset is maintained by Valuing Impact, an organisation focused on impact measurement and sustainability analysis. The 2026 edition uses the Anker and Anker living wage methodology, a recognised framework also used by organisations such as the Global Living Wage Coalition. The dataset incorporates information from sources including Numbeo and World Bank indicators to estimate living wages across countries and household types.

What the tool does

• Provides living wage estimates for 217 countries.
• Covers eight household scenarios, including single individuals, standard families and single-parent households.
• Includes both urban and rural living wage estimates.
• Uses a household budget model covering food, housing, transport, healthcare, education, clothing, communications and contingency costs.
• Integrates purchasing power parity and demographic indicators where direct pricing data is unavailable.
• Allows users to download and analyse global living wage data for benchmarking and comparative analysis.
• Applies a three-tier estimation framework using direct cost data, regression modelling and income-group averages depending on data availability.

Target audience

The primary users are sustainability professionals, businesses, investors and researchers analysing labour standards and wage adequacy. The dataset may also be relevant for NGOs, policymakers, academics and supply chain specialists assessing social and economic conditions across jurisdictions.

Relevance to finance professionals

• Risk assessment – Supports evaluation of labour-related risks within global supply chains and regions with potential wage insufficiency.
• ESG analysis – Provides social metrics relevant to fair wage commitments, human capital reporting and sustainability disclosures.
• Market and sector insights – Assists analysis of labour cost pressures across industries, geographies and emerging markets.
• Investment context – Offers data relevant to long-term trends in inequality, workforce affordability and social sustainability.
• Corporate benchmarking – Can be used to compare company wage practices against living wage thresholds across jurisdictions.
• Supply chain due diligence – Supports responsible sourcing reviews and labour rights assessments linked to ESG frameworks and regulatory requirements.