Rent-to-Income Checker

Aim to spend no more than 28 – 32 % of take-home pay on housing.

Unsure? Most newcomers keep about 70 – 75 % of gross salary.
→ Quick pay-cheque estimator

What the Rent-To-Income Calculator Tool Is

Need a quick way to know whether the rent on that listing fits your paycheque? The Rent-to-Income Checker is a free online calculator that compares your total housing cost (rent + utilities) with your after-tax income and shows—at a glance—whether you’re in the green, amber, or red zone for affordability.

How to Use the Tool

  1. Enter your net income.
    • If you only know gross salary, hit the linked Pay-cheque Estimator to convert it.
  2. Choose your household size.
    • The safe target is 28 % for singles, 30 % for two-person homes, 32 % for larger households.
  3. Pick your province or territory.
    • We’ll auto-add a realistic utilities estimate.
  4. Type the advertised monthly rent and click Check.
    • The colour dial and percentage instantly update.

Why You Should Use It

  • Canada-specific numbers – Built for newcomers, using 2025 provincial utility rates.
  • Utility costs included – No more “heat extra” surprises.
  • Mobile-friendly – Gauge dial and colour pill are easy to read on any phone.
  • Actionable advice – Get a savings-buffer reminder when the result is healthy.
  • Privacy first – No log-in, no data stored.

Tip ➜ Before you hand over any cash, read our First and Last Month Rent in Canada guide to budget for deposits, insurance and move-in fees.

How Does It Work

  1. Utility lookup – The tool adds a province-level average for heat + electricity.
  2. Housing ratio – (Rent + Utilities) ÷ Net Income × 100 gives your rent-to-income percentage.
  3. Smart thresholds – The green/amber/red limit adjusts with household size:
    28 %, 30 %, or 32 %.
  4. Visual feedback – An SVG half-dial fills to your exact percentage and adopts the matching colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

My rent includes heat—can I set utilities to $0?

Yes. Pick your province, note the utility figure, then subtract that amount from the rent you enter.

Where do your utility numbers come from?

Each figure is the mid-point of 2025 data from provincial power boards and the CMHC rental market survey. We update them yearly.

Is 30 % always the right target?

No. Singles often manage with 28 %; larger households sometimes stretch to 32 %. That’s why you choose a household size first.

Does the checker store my income?

No. All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing is sent to our server.

I’m paid bi-weekly. How do I convert that?

Divide the take-home amount on your paystub by two to get a monthly figure, or use the Pay-cheque Estimator link beside the income box.