What Is a Living Wage Benchmark ? A Living Wage Benchmark is a data‑driven reference wage level that estimates the minimum income required for a worker to afford a decent standard of living in a specific country, region, or city. Unlike statutory minimum wages , living wage benchmarks are: Needs‑based , not politically negotiated Location‑specific Designed to cover basic but dignified living costs These benchmarks are widely used in ESG, human capital management, and suppl