CMHC, Canada’s national housing agency, describes housing as affordable when it costs less than 30% of before-tax household income. This tool also checks take-home pay because bills, debt, and savings still have to fit.

It is a useful starting point, but it does not know your debt payments, savings goals, utilities, food, transportation, or what actually lands in your account after tax.

Landlords often look at income before tax. Your month runs on take-home pay, so this calculator shows both the usual income rule and the cash-flow answer.

For real affordability, yes. Utilities may not be part of the lease price, but they still leave the same bank account every month.

There is no single right number. It depends on your bills, debt, and how much cushion you want. The calculator shows what remains after the amounts you enter, and you can judge whether that feels like enough.

No. Rent buys housing and flexibility. What matters is whether this rent leaves enough room for the rest of your month.

No. The calculator only uses the numbers you type to make this estimate. You do not need an account, and the numbers are not saved.