UK inflation rose to 3.1% in November, the highest in nearly six years.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that airfares and computer games contributed to the increase.
The most recent data shows that average weekly wages are growing at just 2.2%.
Director of the Living Wage Foundation, Katherine Chapman:
"Today's rise in inflation will be worrying news for many low income families. Around 5.5 million people are paid less than the real Living Wage, and are now feeling the squeeze as prices continue to outpace wage growth particularly in the run up to Christmas. Many families are already operating on a shoestring and struggling to make ends meet will become even harder.
"During these tough times we encourage businesses who can afford it to join the 3,800 employers across the UK who have signed up to pay a real Living Wage, ensuring that all their staff earn a wage that meets the rising cost of living. Living Wage employers are putting fairness and respect at the heart of their business and they know that a fair day's pay for a hard day's work benefits employees, society and businesses too."